This painted enamel plaque, titled 'Diana Hunting', originates from 17th century France and attributes to Jean I Pénicaud, a notable Limoges enameller. The creation date is thought to be 1540-50, situating the artifact in the Renaissance age. The plaque is circular, measuring 20.8 cm diameter and .5 cm thick.
The principal image, consistent with Pénicaud's oeuvre, features a dramatic hunting scene against a detailed pastoral backdrop. The central character, dressed in a distinctive red dress, appears on a hunting dog, emphasizing her relevance in the narrative. The pose strongly resonates with well-known Roman and Greek tales.
The use of the grisaille technique––employing a single color on a dark background and incorporating gold foils––gives the image its characteristic monochrome look, disrupted only by the red of the main figure's dress. The black enamel background offers a stark contrast and augments the scene's dramatic impact. The masterful execution of details, including minute flora and airborne cherubs, showcase Pénicaud's craftsmanship.
The reverse side portrays a minimalist design element—an intricate olive branch cast on a white enamel base. Surrounding the branch exhibits an intricate strapwork pattern typical of French Renaissance aesthetics. Additionally, the edge features an 'elegancia' pattern of gilt glaze on a grisaille backdrop, contributing to the piece's aesthetic appeal and structural durability.
Encapsulating the edge is an unadorned silver gilt strip, presumably a subsequent element added to enable utilization as a dish or a salver. Even though the piece was initially intended for display, recurrent use in everyday settings is a reflection of its transformation over time. This enamel plaque embodies the practicality and sophistication marking the Limoges craftwork of the French Renaissance period.
