Limoges enamels, named for the town in which they were produced, are one of the most distinctive art forms of the French Renaissance. This stunning handbook-the first book dedicated to Henry Clay Frick's important collection of forty-six Limoges enamels-reflects the jewel-like character of the objects it describes. These colorful, luminous, often personal treasures?plaques, caskets, dishes, ewers?have long been of interest to connoisseurs. Henry Clay Frick purchased John Pierpont Morgan's collection in totality in 1916, adding his name to a centuries-long list of illustrious collectors of the medium.

 

A fascinating and wide-ranging introduction by Ian Wardropper sets the scene. Entries for each object, illustrated with new photography, and a glossary of terms reveal the intricacies of the collection, which itself constitutes a comprehensive survey of painted enamels at an outstanding level of quality.