We are very fortunate to obtain two excellent examples of sixteenth-century Limoges enamel work signed by the artist Pierre Raymond. The larger piece is an important tazza with a domed cover, both of which are decorated inside and out with scenes from the history of Joseph as described in Genesis. The second is a calendar plate representing the month of October, as witness the scorpion and the woodsmen laboring in an autumn landscape. Both pieces possess a most distinguished provenance, having passed from one important collection to another. The calendar plate was at one time in the Blenheim Palace collection.Apart from their intrinsic beauty, they are fascinating as examples of the exotic ornamental style of the early French Renaissance. This style was evolved in the rich court at Fontainebleau by a group of Italian artists whom Francis I had imported to decorate the palace.Referenced Works of Art

1. Pierre Raymond, French, fl. 1530-1582. Covered Tazza, 16th century. Limoges enamel on copper, 10”. The William Hood Dunwoody Fund, 1961, 61.60.1 (a-b).
2. Pierre Raymond, French, fl. 1530-1582. Calendar Plate, October, 16th century. Limoges enamel on copper, 8” in diameter. The William Hood Dunwoody Fund, 1961, 61.60.2.