Armour - France - 19th century






He accumulated 18 years' experience, worked as junior specialist at Sotheby’s and managed Kunsthandel Jacques Fijnaut.
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Large 19th‑century decorative parade armour cast in iron, from France, in a 16th‑century Renaissance style, measuring 50 cm high by 40 cm wide and described in good condition.
Description from the seller
Beautiful antique breastplate – decorative parade harness in 16th-century Renaissance style, France, 19th century
Outstandingly decorative antique breastplate (parade harness). This imposing collectible dates probably from the first half of the 19th century (the period of historicist neostyles) and is made of heavy wrought or cast iron.
The design directly recalls the rich 16th-century Italian and French Renaissance style, in which armors were not only protection, but above all ultimate status and power symbols during parades and ceremonies.
The armor is a true work of art in itself and is covered across the entire surface with an extremely detailed and lively relief:
• The Central Scene: In the middle lies a large, round medallion containing a highly dynamic and densely populated combat scene or mythological tale from classical antiquity, complete with fighting riders and rearing horses.
• Classical Ornaments: Around this central scene flows a dense and elegant pattern of scrollwork (rinceaux), luxuriant acanthus leaves, and graceful garlands.
• Grotesques: At the top and sides are fascinating 'grotesques' embedded. These stylized, fabled beings and lightly monstrous masks were immensely popular in both Roman antiquity and its Renaissance rediscovery.
• Marks: Under the left armpit edge on the outside are faint remnants of what was probably an old foundry mark or smith’s mark. The authentic aging and corrosion patina has rendered this mark unreadable
• Patina & Appearance: The iron has over decades developed a beautiful, deep dark and characterful rust-brown patina that adds depth to the reliefs. At the underside there is a characteristic, age-related hairline crack (see detail photo), but this does not detract from the value.
• Application: This type of high-quality historicizing pieces was widely used in the 19th and early 20th centuries as atmospheric interior decoration in manors and castles (often in the library or reception hall).
This is a unique opportunity for enthusiasts of historical militaria, curiosa, and lovers of a high-end, eclectic or industrial interior. An absolute head-turner that immediately adds atmosphere and character to any space!
Professionally packed and shipped with track & trace
Shipping rate includes handling, energy, environmental, island, insurance, administration and customs costs
Shipping within 24 hours after payment is received
Beautiful antique breastplate – decorative parade harness in 16th-century Renaissance style, France, 19th century
Outstandingly decorative antique breastplate (parade harness). This imposing collectible dates probably from the first half of the 19th century (the period of historicist neostyles) and is made of heavy wrought or cast iron.
The design directly recalls the rich 16th-century Italian and French Renaissance style, in which armors were not only protection, but above all ultimate status and power symbols during parades and ceremonies.
The armor is a true work of art in itself and is covered across the entire surface with an extremely detailed and lively relief:
• The Central Scene: In the middle lies a large, round medallion containing a highly dynamic and densely populated combat scene or mythological tale from classical antiquity, complete with fighting riders and rearing horses.
• Classical Ornaments: Around this central scene flows a dense and elegant pattern of scrollwork (rinceaux), luxuriant acanthus leaves, and graceful garlands.
• Grotesques: At the top and sides are fascinating 'grotesques' embedded. These stylized, fabled beings and lightly monstrous masks were immensely popular in both Roman antiquity and its Renaissance rediscovery.
• Marks: Under the left armpit edge on the outside are faint remnants of what was probably an old foundry mark or smith’s mark. The authentic aging and corrosion patina has rendered this mark unreadable
• Patina & Appearance: The iron has over decades developed a beautiful, deep dark and characterful rust-brown patina that adds depth to the reliefs. At the underside there is a characteristic, age-related hairline crack (see detail photo), but this does not detract from the value.
• Application: This type of high-quality historicizing pieces was widely used in the 19th and early 20th centuries as atmospheric interior decoration in manors and castles (often in the library or reception hall).
This is a unique opportunity for enthusiasts of historical militaria, curiosa, and lovers of a high-end, eclectic or industrial interior. An absolute head-turner that immediately adds atmosphere and character to any space!
Professionally packed and shipped with track & trace
Shipping rate includes handling, energy, environmental, island, insurance, administration and customs costs
Shipping within 24 hours after payment is received
