Limoges Roundel, France 13th century

Medieval Limoges copper and champlevé enamel roundel with depiction of ‘Samson Slaying the Lion’. The Old Testament tells us the story of hero Samson killing a lion: Samson was attacked by the ferocious beast on the way to ask for a woman's hand in marriage. He is shown while forcing the mouth of the lion open with his bare hands. The Church often used this story as a metaphor for Christ's victory over Satan. Openwork of Samson in central position with the lion in agony, its mouth tilted upwards while Samson is forcing the jaws open. Tail in upwards curl on the other side. Outer roundel decorated with geometric garland motif the inside of which has a lighter blue enamel than the outside. Four attachment holes. Most probably used to adorn a coffret. Diameter: 85mm. Probably 1220-1225 AD.
This roundel is identical to the roundel of the National Museum of Poland in Warsaw with the inventory number SZM 998 MNW (weblink https://cyfrowe.mnw.art.pl/en/catalog/455468). It also has the double blue colour (lighter inside, darker outside) on the circular frame.
Another Limoges roundel in the Louvre (Inventory number OA9475) with a siren bird in the centre also has that double coloured outer frame. It is dated 1220-1225.