'Votive Picture. Enamel by Léonard Limosin'; Retable of the Crucifixion

Photograph of one of the two Limoges enamel retables created in 1553 by Léonard Limosin (c.1506-1577) for Saint-Chapelle, Paris. Removed from the chapel during the French revolution, the work has been in the collection of the Louvre since 1816 (MR 208 1).

This rectangular rectable consists of twenty-two enamels that surround a large, oval medallion of the Crucifixion. The parts are of various shapes that fit into each other and include, amongst others, four side plaques, each depicting an angel holding an Instrument of Passion. The corners are occupied by four medallions. The top two show the Christ's Entombment (left) and Procession to Calvary (right), whilst the bottom two are portraits of François I (left) and his wife Claude de France (right). The French royal arms as well as the king's cypher and motto can be seen in the work.

Details of the main enamels can be seen in the following eleven photographs (RCINs 2864505-15).