Battersea Enamel Plaque, after Ravenet, St James of Compostella, ca. 1753–56

A very rare Battersea enamel plaque of St James of Compostella/St James the Greater, ca. 1753–56, enamel on copper, transfer printed in red, then painted in translucent enamel colours, engraved by Simon Francis Ravenet, the elder (French, Paris 1706–1774 London), in the original chased gilt frame.

Measurements (excluding frame): 
Height: 9 cm (3.5 in)
Width: 7.2 cm (2.8 in)

Condition: Very good for age and type. Faint hairlines in the background at 10 o’clock, where there appears to be a little restoration at the edge (see our penultimate image), possibly to stabilise the hairlines. This is not visible in normal viewing, nor does it flare under ultraviolet light. Light scratches, most visible on the lower part of his robe (these are more visible in our images than they are in normal viewing). It has not been possible to examine the counter-enamel, which is covered by material. 

Provenance: From a provincial auction, where it was misidentified. Part of a large and good collection of English enamels, of which the auction house was instructed to dispose, presumably by the beneficiaries of the collector’s estate. 

Notes: Originally part of a set of five religiously-themed enamel plaques after Ravenet. Only four complete sets have so far been recorded, those in the British Museum, a set in the Wolverhampton Museum, a set formerly in the collection of Sir William Mullens sold at Christie's, 18 March 1987, lot 43, and a set sold by E&H Manners, London, in 2017 (Curator's comments, The British Museum, see refs).

References:
1. The British Museum, Museum number 1895,0603.64.
2. Mew, Egan. Battersea Enamels, The Mayflower Press, Plymouth, 1926, Fig.41, p.20.
3. Hughes, Therle and Bernard, English Painted Enamels, Hamlyn, 1967, Fig.9 (pg 22)
4. Benjamin, Susan, English Enamel Boxes, Macdonald & Co, 1988, p.46.

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