Virgin Mary Limoges Enamel by René Restoueix Master Enameller of France Circa 1955

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A stunning Limoges enamel of The Virgin Mary by the master enameller René Restoueix.

René Restoueix was born in 1924 in Limoges, a city renowned for centuries for its expertise in the production of artistic enamels. In 1945, he joined the workshop of Mademoiselle Laure Gatier, where he trained in the techniques of enamelling on copper and glass. Two years later, he opened his own workshop, where he would go on to work for several decades.

René Restoueix was also a man of passion and commitment. From 1947 he campaigned actively for the defence of workers' rights—specifically those of the labourers employed in the region's enamel workshops. In 1955, he was awarded the title of *Meilleur Ouvrier de France* (Best Craftsman of France) in the "copper enameller" category, in recognition of the exceptional quality of his work.

This is a beautiful example of the quality of enamel paintings produced in the early part of the 20th century by the master enamellers of Limoges. It has been extraordinarily difficult to photograph as the glaze is deep and brilliant and does not photograph well.

Added to that the copper on which the enamelling was done is shaped to the features of The Virgin Mary. It is stunning to look at close up but a nightmare to photograph.

Each colour in these Limoges enamels has to be applied separately then fired then on to the next colour. Enamels can take between 16 and 22 firings, a long and laborious process that has to be right first time each time. No wonder they are so sought after.

This enamel is annotated by him on the reverse as 'Vierge 2' The Virgin Mary number 2 and it is signed in gold on the front.

The enamel measures 7.5 x 9.5 centimetres and, including the goosen frame, 19.5 x17 centimetres.