A gem-set gold portrait pendant mounted with an enamel Limoges-style portrait plaque on copper

A gem-set gold portrait pendant mounted with an enamel Limoges-style portrait plaque on copper, by Robert Phillips of Cockspur Street, c1890, depicting the profile of a 16th century nobleman wearing a hat with enseigne and flowing red scarf, painted with the name Iohanes, probably the sitter, with blue enamel border and ornate openwork frame in the Renaissance-style and set with cabochon sapphires, pearls and rose-cut diamonds with black and white enamel openwork surround, the suspension loop in the form of a fleur de lys with conforming black and white enamel decoration and mounted to the reverse with a lozenge containing the Phillips of Cockspur Street trefoil mark. the pendant 6cm high (maximum), case by Hancocks.

The portrait miniature signed to the reverse A. Meyer who was strongly associated with the Limoges Revival and in fact claimed to have initiated it. Although he apparently produced enamels for more than one jewellery house, it is rare for a piece to combine his signature and the jewellery as in this piece. The glazed locket compartment to the reverse of the pendant removes to reveal Meyer's signature.

Alfred Meyer (1832-1904) worked with many of the finest Parisian jewellers of his time including Emile Froment-Meurice, Lucien Falize and Maison Vever. Another example of Alfred Meyer's enamel work mounted by Robert Phillips in a gold and enamel frame exists with the subject of a reclining female nude in the Renaissance-style.

Accompanied by original purchase receipt from T.Robert, Cromer dated 28th November 2004.