This week’s PhotoHunter theme is “miniature”.
One of the many things that I have acquired over the years from my mother is a rather beautiful powder compact (another word for miniature). I don’t know how she got it or when, but I suspect that it was during the early 1950s when she was living in New York City with my father.
My father was an enamelist in those days, living and working in the Lower East Side and then in Greenwich Village. He also taught at the Art Student’s League. I know the piece is not his and although there is no signature, I suspect that it might be by and artist by the name of Karl Drerup. It is of such a high quality that it really outshines the chipped yellow metal compact.
Karl Drerup used the image of St. George (of St. George and the Dragon fame) in a quite a number of works and I think the piece bears a striking resemblance to some of his work.
I have sent a query off to the Karl Drerup Art Gallery at Plymouth State University, just on the off-chance.
Mudpuddle 
Oliver Drerup said,
April 19, 2011 at 1:17 am
Without a doubt an enamel by my father, Karl Drerup. A great pleasure to see it. Please check out the Karl Drerup website. Warm Regards.
mudhooks said,
April 19, 2011 at 2:17 am
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment, Oliver! It is great to have a confirmation of my hunch!
Lilian said,
October 19, 2010 at 12:21 am
Lovely.
ann new zealand said,
October 17, 2010 at 7:54 am
Came via Carpe’s site.
Your story is similar to my mum;s.
My mum didn’t like spider webs, and she sometimes used a lot pole, tied a piece of cloth and dip it in kerosene to burn them. Then she realised shw left black marks on the ceiling. So she stopped.
This reminds me of that time in Borneo.
And Miles To Go... said,
October 17, 2010 at 3:35 am
how beautiful–what a treasure!
azahar said,
October 17, 2010 at 3:25 am
Curious theme for a compact, but very beautifully done.
healingmagichands said,
October 17, 2010 at 1:02 am
That is a very beautiful enamel.