Beschreibung:

A LARGE LIMOGES ENAMEL PLAQUE FROM THE 1878 PARIS EXHIBITION IN THE 16TH CENTURY MANNER, LATE 19TH CENTURY Depicting the holy family with Elizabeth and St John and two attendant figures, inscribed in gilt to the top "L D Limoges", the reverse with exhibition label "T Goode & Co, London., Paris Exhibition 1878, Minton", ebonised frame the plaque 40 x 29.5cm, the frame 54 x 43.5cm Provenance: Woodleys, Woodstock, Oxfordshire For 141 years, Woodleys has been the much loved family home for four generations of one branch of the Ponsonby family. The grade II listed house of largely mid-late Georgian construction was originally built as a farmhouse in the 1780s and twice extended following its changes of ownership in the 1820s and 1880s. These additions resulted in the 12,800 sq. ft house comprising some 40 rooms, including 13 bedrooms. Its handsome south and east façades offer a spectacular view of the principal façade of Blenheim Palace a mere two miles to the South East beyond the noted Column of Victory. The Exposition Universelle (1878) was held from 1 May to 10 November 1878 at the Palais au Trocadéro, Paris. Minton supplied items to be exhibited through the London retailer Thomas Goode & Co's display. As the Wadsworth history of Minton indicates the emphasis "was less on the very large pieces & rather more on parian, china services, toilet ware, & ornamental pieces". Quite how a French enamel plaque came to be exhibited on the stand is more of mystery- as is the painter with research only suggesting possibly a member of the Dalpayrat family. The catalogue for the exhibition has not revealed mention of the maker- but does make mention of the Dalpayrat family and notes that there was an display of work by the Municipal School of Limoges- "famous for its enamels all over the world". Minton itself was lauded for its display with the Prince of Wales, the Grand Duke Constantine of Russia, Prince Demidov, the Duke of Westminster, and Baron Rothschild amongst those who purchased examples of their work. Condition Report: Wear, marks, knocks and scratches as per age, handling, use, and cleaning. Overall- the surface seems fairly dirty. We have not attempted to clean this as the gilded details on top are generally still present- and seemingly untouched. There are some areas where the surface has become muted and other darker patches which may be surface dirt- or engrained surface dirt. Most notable damages are to lower right corner- with associated enamel loss- and to upper right corner and edge with underlying stress faults. Under strong light there are more faults visible to enamel throughout- notably the red dress of virgin. Please see additional images for visual references to condition which form part of this condition report. All lots are available for inspection and Condition Reports are available on request. However, all lots are of an age and type which means that they may not be in perfect condition and should be viewed by prospective bidders; please refer to Condition 6 of the Conditions of Business for Buyers. This is particularly true for garden related items. We must advise you that we are not professional restorers or conservators and we do not provide any guarantee or warranty as to a lot's condition. Accordingly, it is recommended that prospective buyers inspect lots or have their advisors do so, and satisfy themselves as to condition and accuracy of description All lots are offered for sale "as viewed" and subject to the applicable Conditions of Business for Buyer's condition, which are set out in the sale catalogue and are available on request. Buyers are reminded that liability for loss and damage transfers to the buyer from the fall of the hammer. Whilst the majority of lots will remain in their location until collected, we can accept no responsibility for any damage which may occur, even in the event of Dreweatts staff assisting carriers during collection. Condition Report Disclaimer