French, Limoges, in 16th-century style

with on old label numbered: 1218 and 50.193.483 on the reverse; together with a painted enamel on copper plaque with the Virgin in prayer, Limoges, in early 16th-century style, inscribed: Dr. Rudolf, Ex forip and numbered: 6 in ink and pencil on the reverse, and with two old paper labels on the reverse; one from an old auction catalogue printed: 6 A Limoges Plaque, with a half-length figure of the Virgin in prayer, heightened with gold, 2¾in. by 4¼in., School of Penicaud, framed; the other numbered: 10 and 6

Arrest: Overall the condition of the enamel is good with some wear and minor dirt to the surface consistent with age. There is a restoration to the top right corner, with a small loss, and there is another small loss to the right edge at the bottom. There is some stable craquelure, notably at the top and in particular at the top left corner. There is some pitting and craquelure to the counter enamel at the back. The frame is in good condition with some wear. There are minor losses to some of the corners and a few of the joints are slightly open but stable. Virgin: Overall the condition of the enamel is good with some wear and minor dirt to the surface consistent with age. There are a few scratches to the left side. There is some stable craquelure, in particular to the arms and hands, There is slight pitting in several areas, notably around the edges. There is minor wear to the gilding. The ivory and wood frame is in good condition with some wear. It is composed in sections, and joints are visible. There are a few round inserts in the ivory, presumably to fill the root canal. There is a small loss to the ivory inlay at the bottom right corner. There is some stable splitting to the wood consistent with the material.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Two plaques from the same series, which is characterised by the use of enlevage to attain contrasts between white and a range of blue tones which are richer than usual as well as particularly opulent gilding, are in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (inv. nos. 45.60.8 and 9). The authenticity of the pair in New York has been questioned in the 1990s following visual and technical examination (written correspondence). 

Two plaques from the same series, which is characterised by the use of enlevage to attain contrasts between white and a range of blue tones which are richer than usual as well as particularly opulent gilding, are in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (inv. nos. 45.60.8 and 9). The authenticity of the pair in New York has been questioned in the 1990s following visual and technical examination (written correspondence). 

RELATED LITERATURE
P. Verdier, Catalogue of the painted enamels of the Renaissance, cat. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore, 1967, pp. 50-54, nos. 27 and 29