Here is an extraordinary, Empire-style enamel medallion - hand painted with a running horse and a soldier brandishing his sword, enclosed in a gilt brass (I think) frame of flowerheads, acanthus leaves, beading and corner brackets, all topped by an applique wreath and bow motif. Additional, smaller wreaths on linen. Height is 4 5/16", not including wreath; diameter of medallion is 2 1/16". Condition is close to excellent - no losses, cracks, fading or scratches to enamel; front of frame looks great (there are 19 beads on one side and 18 on the other, I think from manufacture). The reverse has losses to gilt and uneven edges. Very special! A note: The running horse is painted in the 'flying gallop' pose which was used by artists until the early 1880's. It was the photographic work of Eadweard Muybridge in 1878 that showed how a horse moves naturally.