Rare Limoges Painted Enamel Plaque on Copper, Late 16th–Early 17th Century - 6¼" x 8"

A rare Renaissance-style Limoges painted enamel plaque on copper, probably late 16th or early 17th century, depicting a haloed apostle holding an open book and a pilgrim’s flask suspended from a staff, set within a chased gilt bronze frame with a small suspension loop. The palette combines deep olive and smoky blue tones with mauve and beige, and white highlights. Faint gilt lettering remains visible around the border, now beautifully worn and only partially legible.

It presents beautifully with a finely crackled surface, softly worn enamel, and discreet historic restorations, mainly visible under UV light, all contributing to its rich sense of age and authenticity. The reverse reveals the original copper support with a richly oxidised surface, extensive craquelure, and remnants of later backing paper and mounting adhesive from framing, all further reinforcing the plaque’s long history.

Produced in Limoges during the French Renaissance for private devotion and learned collectors, plaques of this kind have become increasingly rare survivals. The dark atmospheric ground, luminous enamelwork, and traces of gilding reflect the celebrated Limoges tradition associated with workshops such as the Pénicaud, Reymond, and Limosin families. The pilgrim’s attributes suggest the figure represents Saint James the Greater. Rich in colour and remarkably evocative, the plaque retains the jewel-like presence and refined craftsmanship that make early Limoges enamels so prized today.

Ideal for a study, collector’s cabinet, or intimate chapel corner, this rare enamel recalls the scholarly spirit of Renaissance cabinets of curiosities. Whether hung among Old Master prints or displayed on a small easel, it brings depth, history, and quiet sophistication to an interior.