A Small French Cast Iron Wall Plaque, The Coat of Arms of Paris, 20th Century

In the style of 17th and 18th century Delftware, this pair of large polychrome faience wall plaques are from Holland, a region of the Netherlands. Hand-painted faience from Holland, such as this pair from the 1800’s, were typically painted in the traditional cobalt blue and white, however our plaques have vibrant colors that enhance two distinct scenes. Both plaques feature a roughly ovate shape molding and sinuous cutouts, typically seen in Dutch faience after the 17th century. These contoured edges have been painted with a nondescript motif consisting of quick brush strokes using blue paint. The plaque on the left in our main photo depicts Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. Most of the followers are clad in blue, green, or gold robes...

Using the ancient metalworking technique known as repousse, this copper bas relief plaque of a young nobleman was hand-chiseled by a French artist in...

Hand-worked in circa 1800, this French copper lavabo has been mounted more recently to a shaped wooden board with edges painted in a matching copper hue. The upper receptacle, which ...

This cast iron charger from Germany was hand-worked in the 1800s. The low-relief image, in this case, a Bacchanalian scene, is full of hundreds of small decorative and figurative details. The main body of the charger is recessed below the outer rim, which is adorned with a ring of foliage motif encircling fleur de lys and scrolls. A raised ridge separates the two repeating motifs, with eight mascaron and scrolled medallions interrupting the interior circle. In the center of the charger is a Neoclassical medallion surrounded by Vitruvian scrolls filled with beading. Based on the lively scene of revelry that surrounds the medallion, it is quite possible that the figure depicted in the medallion is Ariadne, the wife of Dionysus (or as the Romans called him “Bacchus”), the Greek god of wine and merriment. It is most likely an interpretation of when Dionysus found her abandoned on the island of Naxos. Numerous figures dancing and partaking in food and drink can be seen along the outside of the medallion, including mythological beings such as putti, satyrs, and nymphs, set amongst flora dotted with overturned drinking vessels. A small bracket is affixed to the verso side, allowing the cast iron German charger...

First used about 450-500 years ago to reflect and disperse heat from the fireplace, firebacks are often cast in iron in proportion to the size of the fireplace. Based on its size, this fireback, which is from circa 1600, would have most likely been used in conjunction with a large fireplace. The fireback features the coat of arms of King Henry IV...

First used about 450-500 years ago to reflect and disperse heat from a fire, firebacks were often cast with themes specific to the homeowner. Sometimes the iron would feature a familial coat of arms, or in the case of this 17th century semis de fleur de lys fireback, decorative motifs would represent the owner. The rectangular fireback has an arched top and a thick multi-layered molding along all edges. In the center is a raised heraldic shield with multiple fleur de lys charges, arranged in a pattern known as semis. A crinkled ribbon transverses the top edge, beneath a papal mitre and crozier topped with a volute leaf, indicating that the original owner was possibly a member of the church, possibly even a bishop. The iron has developed a fascinating chalky gray patina and can still be used functionally in a traditional fireplace...

English Georgian style (19th century) cast iron coat of arms wall plaque / fireplace back with rounded top.

French Art Nouveau terracotta wall plaque, France, early 20th. Wood gatherer in the windy countryside. In country dress, hood and clogs, a bundle of branches on her shoulder. In the ...

Early 20th century set of three hand carved wall plaques which have been meticulously carved in the designs of European village landscapes. The...

Superb copper wall pannel representing the coat of arms of a 19th century English noble family. It rests on a mahogany frame. Very nice work. Object of ...

Meaningful and decorative work of religious art. This hand-painted, cast iron replica of the world famous fresco by Leonardo da Vinci is in excellent condition. This Renaissance sty...

Spectacular early 20th century relay trophy plaque.