Images(7)

Enamelled Plaque: Spring

MakerMade by Ernestine Mills (Hastings, England, 1871 - 1959)

Datec.1915

Object NameEnamelled Plaque

MediumWood, silver and enamels

ClassificationsApplied Art

DimensionsHeight 26.2 × Width 10.4 × Depth 2.4cm

AcquisitionPurchased in 2007 with assistance from the National Fund for Acquisitions.

LocationOn Display - Gallery 14

Object numberABDAG011338

Keywords

Enamel

About MeArts & Crafts painted enamel plaque on silver depicting the personification of 'Spring', in blue, green, purple, and gold in original wood frame.

The figure of 'Spring' is depicted against a striking blue background with golden curls and large angel-like wings coloured purple. She is draped in swathes of fabric covered in flowers which swirl round her form and stands in a side pose reaching up to pick a pink rose hanging from above. In the other hand she holds a small bird while more birds flutter at her legs. Intricate jewel coloured flowers, bluebells, crocuses and forget-me-nots burst from the foreground.

The artist-enameller Ernestine Mills (1871-1959) trained under the enamelling revivalist Alexander Fisher at the South Kensington School of Art in the 1890s where she specialised in the complex practice of enamelling on metals. She is known for mastering every technique; champleve, basse-taille, cloisonné, grisaille and plique a jour.

Mills was a dedicated suffragette who produced artwork for the Women's Social and Political Union. Although her work is distinctively romantic she chose female saints and deities as role models for their strength and leadership. Similarly her choice of colours are recognisable as those adopted by the Suffragettes to demonstrate their political ideals. These characteristics are present in the plaque.

This piece is simultaneously subtle and vibrant and is an excellent example of the Arts and Crafts and Romantic Symbolist style that was taught by Fisher. It not only demonstrates her aptitude at exploiting enamel as a medium, but also displays a painterly quality that is not often present in enamels.

Dated to circa 1915.
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Mills may have turned to creating such wonderful pieces during the First World War because radical suffragette activities, in which she was involved, had been suspended by the women's movements for the duration of the war.

Exhibitions

Gallery 14 - Art of Empowerment