A quality antique French Limoges kiln-fired enamel on a copper plaque. Beautifully rendered with exquisite detailing, here depicted in grey tones (grisaille) atop a dark dark red/brown background. Embellished with gold gilt painted accents and halos. This charming miniature portrait is an enameled work inspired after the religious painting titled Madonna of the Book, or the Madonna del Libro, by the Italian Renaissance artist Sandro Botticelli. The Madonna of the Book is a soft and elegant work. Depicting the Holy Mother, the Virgin Mary gazing at the Book of Hours (Horae Beatae Mariae Virginis) a prayer book common in the thirteenth to sixteenth centuries. Seated in her lap is the baby Jesus. The infant is gazing up at his mother, while holding in his hand symbols foretelling the Passion of Christ, the three nails of the cross and the crown of thorns. Signed in gold gilt to the lower right, apres Botticelli (after Botticelli). Housed in an opulent Florentine style wood frame, with gilt and painted accents. Easel back for table top display or loop ring for wall hanging. In good condition. Measures 8 3/4" x 6 3/8". Portrait measures 5 7/8" x 4" (sight)