Coat rack - Walnut - Large coat rack

Grand Italian mounted wall coat rack in solid carved wood – “CRISTIANI CONTRO PAGANI”
Rare and imposing Italian carved solid wood bas-relief wall coat rack, depicting a spectacular medieval-inspired battle scene between Christians and Pagans.

Italy, first half of the 20th century, probably circa 1920–1940.

The long central composition, about 96 cm, presents a particularly rich and lively scene: horsemen, infantry, armed combatants, shields and fallen figures intertwine in a deep carved setting. Architectural elements appear in the background.

In the lower part of the scene there is the sculpted inscription:
“CRISTIANI CONTRO PAGANI”
(Christians against Pagans)

Both ends are also adorned with sculpted relief figures and connected to the central composition by openwork elements decorated with geometric motifs.

The ensemble is completed by two large wrought-iron hooks with scrolls, giving this sculpture its function as a wall-mounted coat rack.

The reverse, deliberately left much rougher, allows the observer to see the construction in a substantial piece of solid wood, with its natural grain, knots and various traces of work.

The sculpture features a beautiful warm brown patina that emphasizes the depth of the relief.

This is a particularly decorative object, combining figurative sculpture, Italian folk art, and functional furniture, whose nearly one-meter format gives it a significant presence once mounted on the wall.

Characteristics
Origin: Italy
Era proposed: first half of the 20th century
Estimated dating: circa 1920–1940
Type: coat rack / wall sculpture
Material: carved solid wood
Fittings: wrought iron
Technique: bas-relief sculpture / wood carving
Subject: medieval-inspired battle scene
Inscription: “CRISTIANI CONTRO PAGANI”
Length: about 96 cm
Height: about 21 cm
Estimated weight: about 5 kg

Condition
Good overall condition for the presumed age.
There is an old patina, marks, small cracks, wood irregularities and signs of use compatible with age and artisanal manufacture of the object.
The reverse naturally presents a rougher aspect than the carved front.
Please carefully consult the photographs, which are an integral part of the description and allow appreciation of the condition, patina, and details of the sculpture.

Provenance: previously acquired on the auction market in Italy.

An unusual and highly decorative Italian piece, remarkable for its size, its chivalric iconography, and the abundance of its carved decoration.