Oval Plaque with the Annunciation

Monogrammed "S. C." in gold letters near the top of the left edge, this devotional plaque is by Suzanne de Court, the only woman enamel painter to sign her work (sometimes in full), but no dated pieces are known. Based on the same source as the Annunciation plaque by Jean Limosin (Walters 44.346), this piece is notable for the brilliance of the translucent enamel colors, especially the garnet red, and the delicately applied gilding, although the overall emphasis on surface pattern, dazzling though it is, nearly flattens out the space.

Provenance

Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.

Collection of Frédéric Spitzer, Paris, by 1890 [date and mode of acquisition unknown] [1]; Spitzer Collection Sale, Paul Chevallier and Charles Mannheim, Paris, 17 April 1893, lot 582 [2]. Collection of Charles Borradaile, Brighton, by 1897 [date and mode of acquisition unknown] [3]. With George Robinson Harding, London, [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; purchased by Henry Walters, Baltimore [date of acquisition unknown]; by bequest to the Walters Art Museum, 1931.

[1] “La Collection Spitzer: Antiquité, Moyen-âge, Renaissance,” vol. I (Macon, France: Protat Frères, 1890), page 232, no. 167: “L’Annonciation. — Suzanne de Court. Plaque ovale….”
[2] Paul Chevallier and Charles Mannheim, Paris, “Catalogue des objets d'art et de haute curiosite´, antiques, du Moyen-age & de la renaissance: composant l'importante et pre´cieuse collection Spitzer”, volume 1, sale cat., 17 April–16 June 1893, page 103, lot 582: “L'Annonciation. — Suzanne de Court. Plaque ovale.”
[3] Burlington Fine Arts Club, “Catalogue of a Collection of European Enamels from the Earliest Date to the End of the XVII. Century” (London: Metchim & Son, 1897), page 23, no. 80: “Plaque, oval, 7 ¼ inches by 5 ½ inches, in gilt metal frame. Brilliant colours, with foil. By Susanne Court. Spitzer Collection, no. 166 [sic]. The Annunciation…. Lent by Mr. Charles Borradaile.”