Pair of extraordinary enamel miniatures

PAIR OF EXTRAORDINARY ENAMEL MINIATURES ON COPPER WITH ORIENTAL COUPLE IN BRASS FRAMES.

Germany.
Date: 18th century.
Technique: Colourful enamel on copper. Gilt brass frame.
Description: Bust portraits of a couple, facing each other, wearing elaborate, oriental-style baroque
garments and matching headdresses. Delicately ornated frames with decorative frieze and
acanthus.
Measurement: Oval shaped 9,5x6,5cm.
A and B.

Provenance:
Private collection southern Germany.

While the Orient and especially the Ottoman Empire were still considered a constant threat in the 17th century, this perception changed fundamentally in the 18th century. Wars and sieges were quickly forgotten.
With the publication of the Tales of 'One Thousand and One Nights' by the French orientalist Antoine Gallaud in the years 1704 to 1711, the Orient was suddenly perceived as something fabulous and magical. In the course of the rococo, exotic dream worlds were desired at all European courts. While Asian cabinets often served for private retreat, the Orient, with its seemingly unlimited pleasures and wealth, always represented something prestigious.
Many European rulers maintained close diplomatic relations with the 'Sublime Porte' and Turkish envoys were welcomed and well respected at their courts.
Ruling couples liked being depicted on portraits in oriental dress as sultan and sultana.
This fashion also found its way into literature and music, for example with Voltaire's Zaire or Mozart's Abduction from the Seraglio.
Condition Report: Estimated shipping costs for this lot:
Germany: 15,97 Euro plus 3,03 Euro VAT
EU: 26,89 Euro plus 5,11 Euro VAT
Worldwide: 50,42 Euro plus 9,58 Euro VAT
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