Large Limoges enamel of St Francis, Jean-Baptiste I / II Nouailher, 18th ce

A large Limoges enamel plaque of Saint Francis of Assisi.

Limoges, Jean-Baptiste I or II Nouailher, mid-18th century.

The enamel measures 25 x 18cm and 36 x 29cm including its later ebonised frame.

The large domed plaque in polychrome painted enamel represents the Stigmatisation of Saint Francis of Assisi according to the engraving of Agostino Carracci (c.1586). At the top of Mount Alvernia, the Franciscan stands with his arms raised, his left knee resting on a rock, receiving the stigmata from a seraph appearing in the sky. On the ground before Saint Francis is a book and a skull which are placed upon a parchment on which we can read ‘Ego enim stigmata domini nri: Jesus Christi in corpore meo porta’ (For I carry the marks of the Lord Jesus Christ in my body), below this inscription, the image title; ’S.FRANCOIS DASISE’. In the background brother Léon sits, dozing whilst reading. The border is decorated with an abundant floral frieze with blue acanthus leaves in the corners.  The reverse is decorated in dark purple enamel and signed ‘Bapte nouailher, a Limoges’. 

The enamel remains in a fine state of preservation with some slight accidents and small restorations.


Ref:

https://collections.artsmia.org/art/53258/saint-francis-receiving-the-stigmata-agostino-carracci