File:'Limoges style' enamel figurine dating from the Medieval period (1100 – 1300AD). (FindID 99585).jpg

English: Cast copper alloy and ‘Limoges style’ enamel figurine in the shape of a saint (or possibly the Virgin Mary?) probably dating from the Medieval period (1100 – 1300AD). The figurine is broadly sub-rectangular in plan with the head formed from a rounded projection. The front face of the figurine is convex with beveled edges; the rear of the figurine is concave. The body of the figure has two circular rivet holes pierced (3.5mm diameter) through it, one below the chin and one at the base. The figurine measures 71.3mm in length, 27.1mm in width and is 8.6mm thick. It weighs 18.69 grams.

The design on the front face of the figurine represents the head and body of a figure, possibly female. The head of the figure has its head tilted to the right and its chin slightly raised. The detail on the head is indistinct due to abrasion and corrosion. The eyes are created by the filling of the recesses with a coloured enamel or glass. Only a very small amount of this survives in the right hand eye. The nose is flat and mouth is abraded. The hair may be covered by a piece of cloth or a halo. The body of the figure is decorated by a series of linear and curvi-linear cast recessed panels which have or had been filled with a number of coloured enamel. The overall design of these panels is complex and seems to represent the material of a robe or dress. The colours of the remaining fragments of enamel on the body are a light –mid green and a mid blue. This may indicate that the figure was intended to be a likeness of the Virgin Mary – who is often depicted in a blue robe. The stylised arms may be depicted at the sides of the figure but due to the deterioration of the enamel this cannot be proven. The whole of the front face of the figure seems to have been gilt. Only small areas of this survive – these are mostly located around the head. The reverse of the figurine is plain and undecorated. 

The figurine is a mid green brown colour with an uneven and abraded patina which covers all surfaces. The edges of the figurine have especially suffered; being chipped and damaged by movement in the plough soil. The whole figurine is also slightly asymmetrical. There are also traces of light green powdery corrosion present on both faces of the figurine. It is likely that this figurine was originally attached to a casket, chasse or reliquary as part of a larger freeze or panel. This might explain why the figure has its head to the right. It is also possible that it is one part of many which decorated an elaborate processional cross. Similar figurines have been recorded by the PAS (HAMP2763, LEIC-CF6E30 and SUSS-0EA1D8). These differ from this example but have all been dated to the twelfth and thirteenth centuries AD. Similar figurines can also be seen in the Benet’s Artefacts of England and the United Kingdom 2000. pp220-221 refs M11-0104 - M11-0109.