attributed-jean-penicaud-iii-french-second-half-16th-century-enamel-plaque-of-the-i-pieta-i
Lot 194
Attributed Jean Pénicaud III (French, second half 16th century), Enamel Plaque of the Pieta
Lot Details & Additional Photographs
Limoges, France, enamel on copper, unsigned, retaining partial labels to verso inscribed "Jean / III / Penicaud / XVI / P. Garnier," presented in an arched ormolu frame, float mounted within a wooden frame.

Enamel 3 x 2 3/8 in.; gilt frame 4 1/2 x 3 in.; exterior frame 11 3/8 x 8 1/8 in.

From the Collection of the late Dr. Margery Williams Adams and Dr. George Carlisle Adams, Charlotte, North Carolina
Margery and Carlisle Adams were lifelong patrons of the arts in their hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina. They met in Paris where they were both Fulbright Scholars, she studying at the Sorbonne, and he teaching Pediatrics to French physicians.

Margery (1921-2022) grew up in Worcester, MA. She graduated from Smith College, held a Masters and a Ph.D. in Art History from Radcliffe College (now Harvard University), and taught Art History at Radcliffe and Queens College in Charlotte. She inherited from her uncle - Frank Smith, a Worcester attorney - an extraordinary art collection of Italian antiques and works by early 20th century contemporary artists, the core of which has been donated to the Worcester Art Museum and Smith College Museum of Art. Her personal interest in collecting focused on New England furniture and 18th century coin silver spoons. She was instrumental in securing the Delhom Ceramics Collection for the Mint Museum of Art in Charlotte.

Carlisle Adams (1923-1996) graduated from Harvard University and Harvard Medical School and began collecting early American furniture and paintings during his freshman year of college to furnish a spartan dorm room. His eclectic tastes encompassed French fans and paintings, Italian furniture, and Persian rugs, his vast collection now residing at San Diego State University. He was a lifelong opera enthusiast, and he served on the boards of both the Charlotte Opera and the Charlotte Symphony.

Arnold Seligmann, Rey & Co., Paris, France


Jean Pénicaud III was an accomplished enamel artist working in Limoges, and probably a son or nephew of Jean Pénicaud II. Following in the accomplished enamelwork trade of his family's atelier, Jean Pénicaud III's work is noted as being less Gothic in style, and more influenced by the Mannerist painting style of the 'Fontainbleau' School.

Area of enamel loss to apex; enamel loss to lower left and right corner, with some associated restoration visible under UV light.

$1,000 - 3,000