Attributed to Pierre Reymond (1513-circa 1584) Possibly after Jacques Androuet du Cerceau (1510-1584) French, Limoges, mid-16th century

Overall the condition of the enamel is very good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The top corners of the large panel are reattached and partially restored. There may be a small area of restoration to the lower right corner. There is a loss to the enamel to the lower left corner and a few small restorations running along the sides. There are a few stable hairline fractures running through the enamel, consistent with material, in particular to the reverse and to the red border panels in the frame. There are a few minor scratches. There is minor stable splitting to the wood consistent with material, and the top right edge of the frame is a little loose. Slightly open joints are visible to the reverse of the frame, there are also a few pins.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The panel would originally have formed the lid of a casket.  The technique and style of the painting compares closely with that of Pierre Reymond and his workshop.  Note in particular the shading and detail to the horses with that on the casket from the Petit Palais exhibited in Limoges in 2002 (op.cit.). A further comparison can be made with the candlestick foot in the Louvre illustrated by Baratte (op.cit.).

RELATED LITERATURE
S.Baratte, Les Emaux Peints de Limoges, cat. Musée du Louvre, Paris, 2000, pp. 246-7;
La rencontre des Heros, exhib.cat. Musée Municipal de l'évêché, Limoges, 2002, no. 9