Workshop of Jean de Court French, Limoges, late 16th/ early 17th century

monogrammed: IC; with a cut out from the cataloguing of the Coghill sale on the reverse

Canon E. A. Coghill, Southwell, Nottinghamshire;
thence by descent to Helen H. Coghill

Overall the condition of the enamel is good with wear and minor dirt to the surface consistent with age. There are restored areas to the dresses of the mourning figures and circular sections at the left and right sides where metal mounts would have been. There is some wear to the gilding, in particular to the moon on the right which is ghosted. There is minor stable craquelure, in particular to the restorations. There is a small dent to the sky on the left side. The gilt metal frame is in good condition with some minor tarnishing.
"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 present enamel is based on a print by Hieronymus Wierix after Martin de Vos with the exception of the Saint John, which has the hands raised in the engraving. A similar oval plaque is in the Walters Art Museum, Baltimore, and there given to Jean Limousin.

RELATED LITERATURE
M. Beyssi-Cassan, Le métier d'émailleur à Limoges. XVIe-XVIIe siècle, Limoges, 2004, pl. XXIV, figs. 49-50