French, Limoges, circa 1500 | Plaque with the Annunciation

French, Limoges, circa 1500
Plaque with the Annunciation

partially gilt painted enamel on copper, in a modern metal mount
the angel's banderole inscribed: AVE GRACIA PLENA in brown-red enamel and the canopy above the Virgin: MARIA MATER GRACIEMA in gilding
plaque: 21.3 by 18.3cm., 8 3/8 by 7¼in.
overall: 24cm., 9½in. high

Condition Report:
The purple enamel is chemically unstable as is often the case with early enamels. This has led to the crizzling of this colour throughout. Salts have formed on the two streaks of lighter purple on the angel's wings. All four corners and an area in the centre of the lower edge have been restored. A chip was restored or reattached in the blue area of the throne near the Virgin's right shoulder. There is some minor pitting in the lower left corner and some craquelure to the blue at the Virgin's waist and the capital of the central column. The gilding is worn but the decorative patterns are still clearly ghosted. There is a pin hole just under the dove. There are some scratches fired into the enamel around the lily. There is a thin layer of deteriorated material which may have functioned as the counter enamel to the reverse. There are a few specks of paint and remnants of an old paper cover on the reverse of the plaque. Otherwise the condition of the enamel is stable with some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. The colours and overall drawing of the piece are well preserved.

Provenance:
Private collection, Europe;

Sotheby's London, 9 July 2015, lot 80, where acquired by the present owner