Limoges plate; France, 16th century. Lot n° 41

Limoges plate; France, 16th century. "Saint Stephen" and "Leo I". Enamel on copper. Stone cabochon in the upper margin. Measurements: 14 cm (diameter); 22 x 22 cm (frame). In two oval tondos have been represented St. Stephen, with rod of martyrdom, and Leo I, with mitre and papal tunic. Typical of Limoges enamels was the studied tonal combination, seeking chromatic contrasts, vivid tones and saturated details, all framed by a precise drawing. Around the figures, borders and vegetal growths are developed. The legends "Saint Eteinne" (Saint Stephen) and "Leon" accompany the portraits. Leo I the Great, who was pope of the Catholic Church from 440 to 461, is remembered as a figure who fought, by holding several councils, the Manichaeism that had spread from Africa to Italy, the Pelagianism that had resurfaced in Aquileia, and the Priscillianism that was maintained in Spain. As for St. Stephen, the episode of his martyrdom (he was stoned to death) has been depicted by important painters such as Annibale Carracci and Rembrandt. The Limoges enamel has a long tradition dating back to the Middle Ages, specifically to the last painting of the 12th century. It will be the most important enamel workshop in France, and owes its success especially to its production of enamel-decorated objects, in addition to the usual enameled plates. Its medieval and Renaissance pieces had their own characteristics such as a very superficial background dragging or a very fine partitioning for details, as well as an innovative chromatism that included new tones such as light blue-gray or white.