Pair of 19th Century Italian Painted Wall Hanging Shields with Family Crests

$5,300

About

Embellish your study or library with this elegant antique pair of wall hanging plaques. Carved in Italy, circa 1880, each plaque is oval in shape with scalloped and curved edges, and depicts a family crest. One features a central medallion decorated with a bird its wings outstretched, resting on a suite of Royal Fleur-de-Lis motifs. The other shield features a center medallion with two heraldic lions standing, and two checkered decor patterns in the opposite corners. Both plaques are embellished with banner decor in a traditional gray, black, and white paint palette. The medieval style plaques are in excellent condition commensurate with age and use, and adorn a rubbed patinated hand painted finish. Hook in the back for easy installation. The Fleur-de-Lis, also spelled Fleur-de-Lys, is a stylized lily (in French, fleur and lis mean ‘flower’ and ‘lily’ respectively) that is used as a decorative design or symbol. The Fleur-de-Lis has been used in the heraldry of numerous European nations, but is particularly associated with France, notably during its monarchical period. As France is a historically Catholic nation, the Fleur-de-Lis became “at one and the same time, religious, political, dynastic, artistic, emblematic, and symbolic,” especially in French heraldry. The Fleur-de-Lis has been used by French royalty and throughout history to represent Catholic saints of France. In particular, the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph are often depicted with a lily. Measures: 33.25″ W x 0.75″D x 49.25″H.

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