Oval Locket with the Four Elements, Henri Toutin, circa 1650 (Baroque)

This very refined painted enamel represents female personifications of the four elements: earth, air, fire, and water. It was probably produced in the french city of blois, possibly in the toutin family workshop, which had developed new techniques that permitted the use of a white background for enamels instead of the earlier black or dark blue. The locket contained a watercolor miniature of a lady (by another artist) and could have been worn on a chain around the neck or hung from a sash or girdle. Date: circa 1650 (Baroque). Place of creation: Blois, France. Dimensions: height: 7 cm (2.7 in); width: 4.5 cm (1.7 in). Medium: gold, painted enamel. Collection: Walters Art Museum. Henri Toutin - Oval Locket with the Four Elements - Walters 44323