Plaquette van koper met émail met voorstelling van de Annunciatie c. 1725 - 1775

Editor: So, this is a copper and enamel plaque made sometime between 1725 and 1775, titled "Plaquette van koper met email met voorstelling van de Annunciatie." The artist is Jean-Baptiste Nouailher, I believe. It’s such a delicate and devotional piece… I’m immediately drawn to the composition within that swirling, ornamented frame. What do you see in it, from a deeper historical and cultural viewpoint? Curator: Well, it's like peering into a whispered prayer, isn’t it? This plaque, more than just a depiction of the Annunciation, acts as a window into the spiritual life of the 18th century. Notice how the scene, contained within that almost baroque frame, utilizes enamel on copper - an interesting and incredibly durable medium for devotional images. The choice to depict the scene this way reminds me that the piece was made to feel lasting and permanent. Now, tell me, does anything in the scene itself strike you as perhaps a bit *unusual*, shall we say? Editor: Perhaps the almost dreamy quality? The swirling clouds? It makes it feel like more of a vision or a dream. Curator: Precisely. And the colour palette—the ethereal blues and golds, contrasted with a flat background– isn’t quite what one expects in, say, a grand altarpiece. It feels intimate, personal, meant for private contemplation, perhaps. Editor: That makes sense. Thinking about it as a portable, personal object really changes my perspective. It’s like carrying a piece of heaven with you. Curator: Exactly. It makes me consider the role of art not just as decoration, but as a daily companion, a constant reminder of faith in everyday life. What a delightful thought.