Isaac and Rebecca 1600 - 1625

Suzanne de Court created this enamel on copper plate, “Isaac and Rebecca,” in France, sometime between 1600 and 1625. De Court worked in Limoges, a town known since the 12th century for its enamel work. This plate shows a biblical scene from Genesis, in which Isaac meets his future wife, Rebecca. The subject matter suggests the enduring influence of religious narrative on French culture. The complex design, with classical architectural elements and a detailed border, shows an awareness of both classical antiquity and contemporary artistic trends. De Court came from a family of enamellers, and she took over the family workshop after her father’s death. Her success is interesting because at this time, the French art world was dominated by men. The few women who succeeded as artists often did so within family businesses. Research into the archives of Limoges would allow us to understand the social and economic conditions that enabled a woman like Suzanne de Court to achieve renown in her field.