Decorative ornament (2)





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Pair of decorative plaster medallions in richly ornamented Rocaille frames, with a neoclassical central relief after Bertel Thorvaldsen titled “The Nest of Love” showing three cherubs, each having a patinated metal medal on the reverse, measuring 30 x 30 cm with a grey anthracite patina, dating to the late 19th/early 20th century, in good condition with some age-related wear.
Description from the seller
The first image is AI-enhanced to better showcase the design against a neutral background. Please rely only on the following original photos for the item’s true condition.
Pair of Decorative Medallions – Spirit of the Grand Tour & Neo-Classical
Beautiful pair of plaster bas-reliefs patinated and presented in richly ornate Rococo-style frames. These pieces capture the timeless elegance of 19th-century European sculpture.
The Subject: The central relief features a famous composition by Bertel Thorvaldsen (1770-1844), a leading sculptor of neoclassicism. Titled "The Nest of Love," it portrays with remarkable finesse three putti (cherubs) discovering a bird’s nest, a universal symbol of innocence and budding love.
The Curiosity Detail: On the reverse of each piece is inserted a historical metal patinated medal (reproduction by Jan Roettiers), commemorating the British royal family’s asylum at the court of Louis XIV in 1689. An artistic and historical double interest!
Technical Characteristics
Dimensions: 30 x 30 cm (square format balanced).
Materials: Plaster/stucco, wooden frame and composition.
Finish: Beautiful matte anthracite gray patina that accentuates the reliefs and adds a contemporary touch to a classical subject.
Era: Probably late 19th – early 20th century.
Decorative Highlights
These medallions are perfect for creating a “Cabinet of Curiosities” atmosphere or for punctuating an elegant interior. Their compact size allows easy installation, whether as a symmetric pair above a console or integrated into a library.
Note: there are a few spots where the gray paint has worn away, revealing the plaster (see photos).
The first image is AI-enhanced to better showcase the design against a neutral background. Please rely only on the following original photos for the item’s true condition.
Pair of Decorative Medallions – Spirit of the Grand Tour & Neo-Classical
Beautiful pair of plaster bas-reliefs patinated and presented in richly ornate Rococo-style frames. These pieces capture the timeless elegance of 19th-century European sculpture.
The Subject: The central relief features a famous composition by Bertel Thorvaldsen (1770-1844), a leading sculptor of neoclassicism. Titled "The Nest of Love," it portrays with remarkable finesse three putti (cherubs) discovering a bird’s nest, a universal symbol of innocence and budding love.
The Curiosity Detail: On the reverse of each piece is inserted a historical metal patinated medal (reproduction by Jan Roettiers), commemorating the British royal family’s asylum at the court of Louis XIV in 1689. An artistic and historical double interest!
Technical Characteristics
Dimensions: 30 x 30 cm (square format balanced).
Materials: Plaster/stucco, wooden frame and composition.
Finish: Beautiful matte anthracite gray patina that accentuates the reliefs and adds a contemporary touch to a classical subject.
Era: Probably late 19th – early 20th century.
Decorative Highlights
These medallions are perfect for creating a “Cabinet of Curiosities” atmosphere or for punctuating an elegant interior. Their compact size allows easy installation, whether as a symmetric pair above a console or integrated into a library.
Note: there are a few spots where the gray paint has worn away, revealing the plaster (see photos).

