Jean II Penicaud Limoges enamel plaque

From the early medieval period Limoges in France was an important European centre for the production of enamels. Enamelling derived from glass-making and involves different methods of laying powdered glass onto a metal backing. When fired the glass liquefies then re-forms into a hard, vitreous layer. It is a highly-skilled art, much in demand for small decorative objects and jewellery.

This plaque is in grisaille, or black-and-white painted enamel. The design, portraying the classical goddess Venus accompanied by cupids, is based on an engraving by Italian artist Marcantonio Raimondi (c.1475-1534). Due to the spread of printing, by the early sixteenth century books of engraved pictures were being produced. For the very first time, images could be circulated widely and cheaply, and these provided new inspiration for artists. The maker of this plaque, Jean II Pénicaud, led a well-known enamelling workshop. He developed black and white enamel to imitate the subtle tones of black and grey achieved by engraving techniques.

The plaque was bought in Italy around 1720 by Sir Andrew Fountaine (1676-1753), a noted art connoisseur and traveller who amassed one of the most important collections ever held in Norfolk. He had a huge collection of Renaissance works of art, including many Limoges enamels, at his home, Narford Hall. This collection was sold in 1884. The plaque is now the only remaining Renaissance artefact known to be in Norfolk.