Armour - France - 19th century

Beautiful antique breastplate – decorative parade armor in 16th-century Renaissance style, France, 19th century

Extremely decorative antique breastplate (parade armor). This impressive collection piece presumably dates from the first half of the 19th century (the period of historicist neo-styles) and is made of heavy wrought or cast iron.

The design directly harkens back to the rich 16th-century Italian and French Renaissance style, in which armors served not only as protection but above all as ultimate status and power symbols during parades and ceremonies.

The armor is a true work of art in itself and is throughout adorned with an extremely detailed and vivid relief:

• The Central Scene: In the center there is a large, round medallion containing a highly dynamic and crowded battle scene or mythological tale from classical antiquity, complete with battling riders and rearing horses.

• Classical Ornaments: Around this central scene, a dense and elegant pattern of scrollwork (rinceaux), sumptuous acanthus leaves, and graceful garlands flows.

• Grotesques: At the upper and side edges are fascinating 'grotesques' worked in. These stylized, fable-like beings and lightly monstrous masks were enormously popular in both ancient Rome and during the Renaissance rediscovery of it.

• Marks: Under the left armpit on the outside there are faint remnants of what was probably an old foundry mark or blacksmith’s mark. Due to authentic age and corrosion patina this mark is unfortunately no longer legible.

• Patina & Appearance: The iron has over the decades developed a beautiful, deep dark and characterful rust-brown patina that adds depth to the reliefs. At the bottom 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 historicist pieces were frequently 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, curiosities, and admirers of a high-end, eclectic or industrial interior. An absolute eye-catcher that instantly adds atmosphere and character to any space!

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