Overall WEIGHT 182 grams. In exceptional condition. This superb enamel plaque, painted on a plate of solid gold, is a wonderful example of 20th century enamelling. It appears to be the largest enamel by Poluzzi to be offered for sale publically. Set in a very heavy solid gold box, it is truly an objet de luxe for the connoisseur. The scene is a rich landscape quite visually striking with the figure of the boy running seeming to draw the eye into the scene. The composition is, with some artistic changes by Poluzzi, taken from the painting called "Castle Garden" by Sir Peter Paul Rubens of 1632-5 and now in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna. The scene is painted in reverse to the original painting and therefore Poluzzi must have copied his original watercolor design from an engraving of the picture. The original watercolor design by Charles Poluzzi for the present plaque is included in this auction, Lot 253 The making of enamels such as this requires not only consumate ability as an artist but great technical prowess. Of particular note in the present panel is the use of translucent opalescent enamel to create the effect of a shimmering golden sunset. This would have required the gold plate to be first engine-turned to create the sunrays, then fired with translucent opalescent enamel, the painting was then done on top and fired again many times at very high temperatures until each color was applied. During each firing in the kiln the enamel is liable to be spoiled at any moment and therefore each finished piece is highly prized due not only its intrinsic value but the many days and weeks of work the artist devoted to their creation. CARLO (CHARLES) POLUZZI (1899-1978) Born in Seveso, Italy, he moved to Geneva with his family as a child. He specialized in painted on enamel portraits and landscapes, in the style of works from earlier periods. In 1914, Poluzzi became an apprentice at the "Fabrique d'émaux de Genève", while also pursuing studies at the Ecole des Beaux Arts. He obtained his diploma in 1918 and became a "chef d'atelier" during the next several years. In 1921, Poluzzi became naturalized, settled in Carouge, and set up his own workshop. Little by little, he became one of Geneva's most respected enamel painters, working for all the important watch firms and painting the portraits of many important and influential people. He did some of his most noteworthy work for Rolex and Vacheron & Constantin.