Rare 18th Century Miniature Painting on Enamel PAIR C 1780

This is a scarce opportunity to own this stunning pair of wonderful enamels set in ormolu hooks. This pair were made during the late 18th century, circa 1780. We have been retailing antiques for coming up 30 years, have handled many enamel on copper miniatures but have never seen such an object.

Enamelling is one of the oldest of decorative crafts dating back to antiquity. Enamel is a vitreous substance used in the form of ornamentation by the process of fusion to the surface. In this case a paste of powdered glass is brush painted over the copper to be fused to the copper in a kiln. The artist uses the copper base like a canvas and the intense heat melts the glass powder to form an everlasting picture. This form of enamelling became very popular throughout the 18th century.

Our enamel scenes depicts a child playing on their Saint Bernard dog in the grounds of a country house estate. The partner enamel on copper shows two sweet children dressed up in classical clothing from antiquity.

The ornate hook with painted enamel would have been designed for someone with the finest taste! This is a fabulous interior design piece. The hook is perfect for displaying your favourite items of jewellery or perhaps one of your most cherished portrait miniatures.

Measuring: Width 2 3/8 inch (6 cm) by height 2 1/8 inch (6.5 cm). Aperture diameter 1 ½ inch (4 cm).

Condition: Small surface chip to enamel on convex copper at 12 o’clock on each. Very common with 18th century enamels, unless restored you will find it difficult to find an enamel from this period free from damage. The backing of the two children has been historically replaced. Missing securing screws. Please excuse any reflections on the convex surface.

A superb pair, when will you see another???

ITEM ID:14446