Plate from the Limoges workshop, late 17th century.

Plate from the Limoges workshop, late seventeenth-early eighteenth century.
"Virgin and Child.
Enamel on metal.
Signed "I.L." on the back.
Wooden frame.
Measurements: 8 x 6 cm; 24 x 21,5 cm (with frame).

Plate with enamel of Limoge representing a Maternity in the Renaissance manner, with the Child Jesus embraced to the neck of Mary. On the table, a fruit bowl is filled with symbolism on the Eucharist, sacrifice and resurrection. The beauty of the contrasting tones of lapis lazuli, emerald green, gold and white stands out.

The Limoges workshop appeared in the last quarter of the 12th century and continued its activity until the 14th century. It flourished again in the 15th century, with the new technique of painted enamel. It will be the most important enamel workshop, above the Rhineland and Meuse, which disappeared in the 12th century and were dedicated to the production of single plates by order, which were then mounted on an object or joined together to form altar frontals. In Limoges, on the other hand, the production of objects, no longer just plaques, decorated with enamels, was launched, especially for religious but also for secular use. They are cheaper pieces, with copper base, and very showy for the enameled decoration, so they enjoyed a huge and immediate success throughout Europe. Limoges is also mentioned in documents, which indicates that it was a transcendent center known throughout Western Europe.