This intriguing painted enamel portrait of Marguerite de France as Minerva, the Classical goddess of war and wisdom, was made in Limoges, France, by Jean de Court, in 1555. Limoges enamels were renowned, attracting French court patronage. Marguerite, the daughter of King François I, supported progressive contemporary writers, who described her as the new Minerva, a wise opponent of ignorance.

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