Painting with Fire

Accompanies the first exhibition on Limoges enameller Susanne de Court (active ca 1600), the only known woman then making enamels This book accompanies the first exhibition dedicated to the enameler Susanne de Court, who was active around 1600 in Limoges, the French city famed since the Middle Ages for its tradition of enamelware. The only woman at the time known to have made enamels, de Court left a large body of work, almost 100 pieces signed with either her initials or a version of her full name. Most of these depict religious or mythological subjects. Her distinct style is characterized by a complex layering technique whereby an exquisite palette of red, green, and blue translucent enamels was applied over paillons (small pieces of foil). De Court is widely believed to have led an enamel workshop in Limoges. If so, she would have been the only woman of her time to have done so. With a number of essays and entries for each piece in the exhibition, the exhibition catalogue will present new insights on Limoges enamels, De Court’s technique, and the cultural, social, and religious context that shaped her work.Distributed for Paul Holberton PublishingExhibition schedule:The Frick Collection, New York (8 April 2027– 12 July 2027)