Enamels Room


This space was designed as Mr. Frick’s study, complete with French doors that overlooked 71st Street and glass doors that opened on to the garden. The Enamels Room takes its name from the extraordinary collection of Limoges enamels, from the late 15th through the early 17th century, acquired by Frick in 1916 from the estate of J. P. Morgan. These enamels were later joined by fine Italian paintings, furniture, Renaissance bronzes, ceramics, timepieces, and other rare objects, creating the semblance of a precious treasury.

Sculpture and Decorative Art in the Enamels Room

The two glass display cases contain works drawn from the Frick’s holdings of French, Italian, and German Renaissance decorative arts. The installations are changed annually to draw fresh attention to individual objects, including recent acquisitions and special loans. Among the finely detailed works that can be appreciated at close range are French Limoges enamels, Italian bronze sculptures, and a St. Porchaire ceramic. The Enamels Room takes its name from the selection of French Renaissance enamels that have been displayed here since Henry Clay Frick acquired them in 1916–18. Made in Limoges in central France between the 16th and early 17th century, these enamels constitute one of the finest collections in the United States. These enamels and small bronzes reveal the combination of artistry and craftsmanship char- acteristic of objects that embellished the daily life of wealthy Renaissance nobles and merchants.

Archival Photographs

  • glass case with enamels and paintings

    Enamels room, undated

  • photo of room with table, paintings, and glass case, circa 1927

    Enamels Room, looking south, 1927

  • photo of glass cases with enamels, paitings, tables, circa 1927

    Enamels Room, looking north, 1927

  • photo of room with empty glass cases and wood panelling, circa 1933

    Enamels Room during Frick Collection construction, 1933

  • photo of empty glass cases in gallery, circa 1933

    Enamels Room during Frick Collection construction, 1933

  • glass case with enamels and paintings in gallery room with paintings and sculptures on table, circa 1935

    Enamels Room, 1935

  • photo of enamels and paintings  in glass case, circa 1942

    Enamels Room, north case, 1942

  • photo of glass case with paintings and paintings and table, circa 1942

    Enamels Room, southeast corner, 1942

  • photo of paintings with table with sculptures and chairs, circa 1942

    Enamels Room, east side of room, 1942

  • photo of wall in gallery with paintings and table, plants,  chairs, circa 1955

    Enamels Room, west wall, 1955

  • photo of wall in gallery with paintings and and chairs and table, circa 1955

    Enamels Room, east wall, 1955