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Lot 16
A CIRCULAR LIMOGES ENAMEL CHARGER DEPICTING THE STORY OF PSYCHE
WORKSHOP OF PIERRE REYMOND, SECOND HALF 16TH CENTURY
Closed11 October 2023
Price Realised
USD 239,400
More Information
Specialist note
The front of this charger focuses the story of Psyche, the mythological figure known for her beauty who underwent tests to be with her love, Eros and eventually become immortal. The circular design shows various scenes from her story with Psyche portrayed in blue. Prominently placed below the central effigy is a depiction of the Bath of Psyche where she prepares for marriage. Pierre Reymond is known to have treated this subject in examples such as the Toilet of Psyche at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, acc. 04.6.8.
As a painter known for his modeling, Reymond worked for much of his career in grisaille but returned to colored enamels in his late career. A close comparison can be drawn to Ewer Stand: Moses Striking the Rock (fig. 1) at the Frick collection, New York, acc. 1916.4.25. Note the similarities in the garland on the front and the motif of Fame on the underside which only vary slightly from the present example. The Fame motif relates to a fresco at the Château de Fontainebleau by Rosso Fiorentino ‘Il Rosso’ (1494-1540) which the enamel painter would have had ready access to through engraving by Domenico del Berbiere (1506-1565). The winged figures representing Fame hold a short and long trumpet, which represent celebrity and renown, respectively.
As a painter known for his modeling, Reymond worked for much of his career in grisaille but returned to colored enamels in his late career. A close comparison can be drawn to Ewer Stand: Moses Striking the Rock (fig. 1) at the Frick collection, New York, acc. 1916.4.25. Note the similarities in the garland on the front and the motif of Fame on the underside which only vary slightly from the present example. The Fame motif relates to a fresco at the Château de Fontainebleau by Rosso Fiorentino ‘Il Rosso’ (1494-1540) which the enamel painter would have had ready access to through engraving by Domenico del Berbiere (1506-1565). The winged figures representing Fame hold a short and long trumpet, which represent celebrity and renown, respectively.