Artwork
Watchcase cover: Pomona and Vertumnus
Watchcase cover: Pomona and Vertumnus is an unspecified painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Suzanne de Court. It dates from 1612 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This piece is part of the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, representing a significant example of Limoges enamel artistry.
This enamel painting, Watchcase cover: Pomona and Vertumnus, was created by Suzanne de Court in 1612. It depicts a mythological narrative, serving as a decorative element for a watch. The work showcases the artist's skill in miniature painting and her engagement with popular classical themes of the era. This piece is part of the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, representing a significant example of Limoges enamel artistry.
Subject & Meaning
The artwork illustrates the classical myth of Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit trees and orchards, and Vertumnus, the god of seasons and change. The scene captures the moment Vertumnus, disguised as an old woman, attempts to woo Pomona. The goddess, dressed in blue and red, is seated with an arm raised, while Vertumnus, in blue, gazes intently at her, conveying a sense of unfolding narrative within a vibrant, natural setting.
Technique & Style
Suzanne de Court's work exemplifies the refined enamel painting tradition of Limoges, a craft she practiced around 1600. This piece reflects an early Baroque Italian influence through its dynamic composition and rich palette. The artist's skillful application of vibrant blues, greens, and reds, along with the arrangement of figures, effectively draws the viewer's eye to the central mythological interaction, aligning with the period's emphasis on decorative and storytelling art forms.
History & Provenance
Created in 1612, this watchcase cover is attributed to Suzanne de Court, a notable figure in the Limoges enamel tradition. She stands out as the sole identifiable woman who signed her enamel works from this period, suggesting she held a prominent position, possibly overseeing a workshop renowned for its quality. The piece is now housed in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, preserving a unique example of her artistic legacy.
Artist & collection
Artist
Suzanne de Court (fl. 1600) was a French enamel painter in the Limoges workshops, probably running a workshop of some size producing pieces of the highest quality. She was the only identifiable woman signing Limoges…
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