In a lecture on Ancient and Modern Ena mels, delivered by Mr. Dighy Wyatt to the Society of Arts in 1818, attention was drawn to six different kinds of enamel-work, which marked six different periods from the time of Justinian to modern dates. The Byzantine process consisted in the formation of cavities of gold filagree, filled with enamel. The Early Limoges style, instead of having a frame work of filagree, had the enamel fixed into Cavities scooped from thick copper plate by the graver. The Early Italian method con sisted in engraving silver after the manner of medallic relief, and then floating over it with variously-coloured transparent pastes. In the Later Italian method, small gold or silver objects were covered with glass powder mixed with water in which the pips of pears had been steeped ; this held the paste in its place until vitrification took place, and was yet so deli cate a cement as in no degree to interfere with the purity of the enamel. The Later Limoges style consisted in covering entirely the surface of the metal with an opaque paste, and then painting with transparent colours : regaining the effect of a translucent ground by applying silver leaf in particular situations fastened with a glaze of colourless enamel, and then tinting over it. The sixth style is the modern miniature painting on enamel.
The nature of the material and the expense attendant upon attempts to produce large works in enamel, have tended to restrict the dimensions of enamel paintings. Until the time of the late H. Bone, R. A., but few at tempts had been made to extend their size beyond that adapted for trinkets. This artist, with amazing perseverance and industry, over came innumerable difficulties, and exhibited for a long series of years enamels of large di mensions. The largest works which have
been executed in enamel are, Bacchus and Ariadne,' after Titian, by H. Bone, R. A.; and a Holy Family,' after Parmigiano, by Charles Muss. The former measures 161 inches by 18; and the latter 151 inches by 204. George Bowles, Esq., purchased the Bacchus and Ariadnc for 2200 guineas, and His Majesty George IV. gave 1500 for the Holy Family. This last new forms part of the collection in Buckingham Palace.
The power of resisting decay renders enamel a valuable medium for preserving for ages the likenesseS of celebrated individuals. The artists who practise this durable and beautiful style of painting have not at any time been numerous.
At the Medieval Exhibition in 1850, enamels of exquisite beauty were displayed, chiefly of French and Italian workmanship.
Another kind of enamelling, much himabler in rank, but practically of great usefulness, is that of enamelling the interior of cast-iron and other hollow articles, such as saucepans and other culinary and domestic utensils. The superior Cleanliness of such articles, and the security which they afford against any metallic taint, render them peculiarly valuable for some delicate operations in cookery and con fectionary, and for the preparing of pharma ceutical decoctions, extracts, &c. The enamel used for this purpose may be stated, in general terms, to consist of silica, soda, borax, and potter's clay. Until within the last few years, enamelled iron saucepans were imported from Germany ; but they may now be regarded as a home manufacture rapidly extending.