Fine French Pair Antique Limoges Enamel Plaques, Ebony Frames

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About the Item

A fabulous find! A matching pair of Napoleon III* era French Limoges enameled plaques, slightly convex rectangles in form, and with a stunning pair of Putti, very well framed in ebony frames with silk velvet-covered serpentine-formed mats, (*circa 1850-70). The set fits perfectly into the Napoleon III era aesthetic, which was of course also that of the Victorian era. Empress Eugenie of France had a remarkable influence on fashion and aesthetic of the day, which of course spread to the Victorian aesthetic abroad, as well. The black on red was a favorite color combination and we see it over and over in Napoleon III era decorative arts. The pair of masterpiece enamels is framed to that aesthetic taste in what would have been claret-red mats in ebony frames, but as is often the case in old velvets, the nap has been lost to a great extent on the velvet. Still, it is evidence of age, and not a flaw, as such. That those frames and velvet mats are housing a superb set of old Limoges 'grisaille' (grey tones, black/white) enamels is what makes these stand out as truly stunning, as well as that the original pair remain fully original and together. You are buying the pair. Our photos show you the exquisite enamels in detail, so I will leave the job to them. Please review. Of course, should the mats be troublesome to your eye, they can be replaced, but we like them in their original antique state. Aren't those enamels amazing!
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. We say that in spite of the condition of the old silk velvet mats, which have lost much of the napping, because the fact remains, these are a pair of finest Limoges enamels, and remain without a bit of damage to either one. The old ebony frames are also in fine condition, needing a little more cleanup than our initial one, the photos tell me, and yet without chips or cracks, no losses. Note the very fine workmanship in those enamels, and the fact that not a single hairline or crack or chip prevents them from their 'excellent' rating. Such fine work, modeling in 3-D with the enamel powders, and just the lightest touches of gold as counterfoil to the black/grey/white of the grisaille work - outstanding!

Style:
Victorian
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
Late 19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
Napoleon III (c.1850-70)
Condition:
Enamels are excellent, each one. No damage at all. Frames are very good for age and type. The old shaped mats used to be deep burgundy silk velvet but much of the nap is gone, yet appealing for the age.
Seller Location:
San Marcos, CA
Reference Number:
Seller: 1011pairputti1stDibs: JU11102722763

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Onyx, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Cartier Art Deco Clock

$25,000

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