Elegant enamelled miniature on copper plate, depicting the portrait of a young woman in profile, anonymous French work, Limoges, Art Nouveau period, end of the 19th century. XIXth century - early 20th century, in the style of Ernest Blancher. Presented in its ceremonial frame in bronze with gilded patina, and Marie-Louise in tortoiseshell.
Our charming portrait is entirely in keeping with the aesthetics of the Art Nouveau period, the style of which characterises the end of an era, at the dawn of the 20th century, between a pronounced taste for a nature as fantasized as it is dreamlike and a certain touch close to the English school of the Pre-Raphaelites.
Against a dark background, the delicate profile of a young brunette woman stands out, slightly in relief. Her clothing, barely drawn, is made of orange fabric and white lace.
This brings to the whole, a certain touch of light, making a discreet and effective echo with the leaves and jewels adorning her face. These deliberately restrained cameos are reminiscent of the nuances and hues of autumn.
From then on, our female character could quite easily embody in the collective imagination, an allegory of the seasons, or a creature as mysterious as it is enchanting. Beyond the technical know-how necessary to create such a portrait, it is important to note the profusion of details - like the pearl necklace or the discreet smile barely sketched on her lips -. The latter bear witness to the revival of the tradition of Limousin enamels, valued since the Renaissance.
On the other hand, the preciousness of the ornaments and materials used for the frame allow us to set our miniature like a jewel in its case.
Dimensions:
total:
- height: 24.2cm
- width: 17.5 cm
at sight:
- height: 13.2cm
- width: 9.8 cm
