Plate from the Limoges workshop of the 19th century

Dish from the Limoges workshop of the 19th century.
"Lunch".
Copper with cloisonné enamel.
It has some chipping.
Measurements: 23 cm (diameter).
Copper plate with blue and sepia enamels "in grisaille" highlighted in gilt, which are reflected in the wing of the plate, decorated with fantastic beings and ornamental elements of Baroque inspiration. A genre scene fills the background of the plate. The artist depicts a typical bourgeois lunch, with two diners around the table and two servants offering them wine. The cosy interior features an oven at the back, a break of glory at the top and a dog gazing hungrily at its owner. The back of the dish is embellished with star motifs.
Limoges enamelling has a long tradition dating back to the Middle Ages, in particular to the last painting of the 12th century. It was the most important enamel workshop in France, and owed its success in particular to its production of enamel-decorated objects in addition to the usual enamelled plates. Its medieval pieces had their own characteristics, such as a very shallow background dragging or a very fine partitioning for details, as well as an innovative chromatism that included new tones such as light blue-grey or white.