Limoges, milieu XVIe siècle Ensemble de neuf plaques avec des scènes de la Vie du Christ

deux des plaques portant une ancienne étiquette au dos: THOS. F. FLANNERY COLL. CHICAGO et chacune avec un étiquette numérotée

 

Edson Bradley (1852-1935), Frankfort, USA; Thomas F. Flannery Jr. (1926-1980), Chicago, USA; sa vente Sotheby's Londres, 1 déc. 1983, lot 211; dans la même collection privée depuis.

Overall the condition of the enamel is good with dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is wear to the gilding, in some instances it has worn away completely, such as at Christ's banner in the scene where He blesses the Virgin. Wear has been sustained to the copper mostly to the edges and corners, with various small nicks and scratches. Some of the corners are either reattached or restored: most notably the top left corner of the scene with Christ blessing the Virgin, where there is a fissure. There are a few very slight stable fissures elsewhere. There are traces of lead (possibly restoration) or glue to the reverses. There is craquelure to the enameled reverses, consistent with many 16th century enamels. There are nicks and scratches to the bronze frames, with losses to some of the fixings to the reverses.
"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."

Ces plaques en émail peint, provenant de l'ancienne collection de Thomas F. Flannery Jr., aurait fait partie d'un plus large ensemble. Elles ont été réalisées d'après une série de bois gravés d'Albrecht Dürer, datant de 1511, et connue sous le nom de la Petite Passion. Le style enlevé de ces émaux peints évoque le travail du grand émailleur Léonard Limosin et, notamment, son mois de Février (Musée du Louvre, inv. n° MR2548). Nous pouvons également rapprocher cet série du travail d'un émailleur du XVIe siècle, de l'entourage de Limosin connu sous le nom de Maître N.B. (voir Collection Lopata, St. Louis, op. cit., p. 9).

Références Bibliographiques:
Bulletin of the City Art Museum of St. Louis, St. Louis, 1970, p. 9; S. S.Baratte, Les émaux peints de Limoges, cat. Musée du Louvre, Paris, 2000, pp. 116-119.