An Alexander Fisher enamel plaque, “Vivienne”

I am delighted to have acquired this rare and I believe previously unrecorded enamel by Alexander Fisher.   The plaque appears to depict a scene from Tennyson’s “Vivien” idyll, later the “Merlin and Vivien” idyll:

“And after that she set herself to gain
Him, the most famous man of all those times . . .”

The book and this passage was illustrated in 1898 by Frederick and Louis Rhead (brothers and members of the famous artistic and ceramics Rhead family) which is shown in my images, a composition that seems to have inspired Fisher. It shows Merlin with Vivien (the “Lady of the Lake”) perhaps as an aparition.  Later she was to famously trap Merlin in his cave (sometimes tree).

The plaque is classic Fisher. Highly symbolist, with a compelling mix of detail and impressionism.  signed to lower right.  Based on the small zize of plaque and simple frame I believe this is a relatively early piece by fisher.

Price: Sold

Maker: Alexander Fisher

Designer: Alexander Fisher

Date : c 1900

Marks: Signed Alex Fisher

Material: Enamel on copper

Condition: Excellent

Size: Visible plaque: 8 x 9 cm.

Weight : NM