Triptych of Limoges, France, 16th century

Triptych of Limoges, France, 16th century.
Enameled copper plates. Walnut wood structure.
It presents losses in the enamel.
Measurements: 16,5 x 12 cm; 16,5 x 5,5 cm; 28 x 23 x 5 x 5 cm (triptych).

The central copper of this triptych has the representation of the Holy Family fleeing to Egypt guided by the angel, while the sides are embellished with the presence of the Evangelists St. John and St. Matthew. When closed, the triptych has the structure of an architectural temple.

The Limoges workshop appeared in the last quarter of the 12th century and continued its activity until the 14th century. It flourished again in the 15th century, with the new technique of painted enamel. It will be the most important enamel workshop, above the Rhineland and Meuse, which disappeared in the 12th century and were dedicated to the production of single plates by order, which were then mounted on an object or joined together to form altar frontals. In Limoges, on the other hand, the production of objects, no longer just plaques, decorated with enamels, was launched, especially for religious but also for secular use. They are cheaper pieces, with copper base, and very showy for the enameled decoration, so they enjoyed a huge and immediate success throughout Europe. Limoges is also mentioned in documents, which indicates that it was a transcendent center known throughout Western Europe.