Mathieu Deroche (1866-1904)

PHOTOGRAPHIC ENAMEL PORTRAITS, 1867 - 1900, Circular/Oval 3/4 portraits (7), image size, smallest, 26mm in diameter, largest, 150mm x 115mm, and with rectangular examples (2), image size, 185mm x 98mm, each signed and dated by the maker verso, Sitters including Queen Alexandra, wife of Edward the VII, total (9) The art of obtaining a burnt-in impression of a photograph on enamel or porcelain has been in practice since the 1850s. Deroche's firm employed the carbon transfer process to manufacture coloured enamel portraits until the turn of the century. Deroche produced photographic enamel portraits from his studio in the Boulevard des Capucines, usually inscribed to the reverse with the date, initials and other details as is the case with these examples. He portrayed many of the great and good of Europe and the Near East of the period