Enamel antiquities brooch.
This gold enamel panel brooch is decorated by rows of the tiniest of seed pearls. The brooch has two import stamps with owls, on the brooch itself and on the pin, meaning it was brought into France and met the minumum standard of 'gold', which is 18k in France. Even though the brooch was made abroad, most likely in England, the enamel picture within the frame may very well be French. If so it would make it a 'Limoges' brooch, called after the southern city of Limoges, which is famed for its enamelling techniques.
The earliest examples of enamelling from Limoges date back to the Middle Ages, in the 12th century. It is why there are a few examples of chests, religious plaques or other, often religious, artifacts left that were all made in Limoges between the 12th and the 14th century. In the earliest examples enamel was cast over a a surface with a relief. Starting from the end of the 15th century a new technique was introduced, using enamel paint. The ateliers in Limoges were the first to develop it, and have used it ever since. This particular brooch represents a lady from the antiques. Leaning against a pillar in 'contraposte', a classic stance with one bended knee. A piece of cloth is draped losely around her waist and there is a ribbon in her hair. The play of shadows is lightly pencilled in. This kind of detailed enamel artistry could never have been achieved without Limoges' enamel painting technique.
Enamel and gold antiquities brooch, 1890’s.
The length of the brooch is approx. 31mm and it is approx. 25 mm wide. It weighs 7.4 grams. The brooch has been hallmarked with two owls. One is on the clasp of the brooch, the other on the pin. It means it is 18k gold. At the center there is an enamelled panel in terracotta and attractive bright light blue. With a lady leaning against a pillar. The panel is framed by a fire gilded decorated band followed line of tiny pearls.