Coat rack - Walnut - Large Italian coat rack

Grand Italian wall coat rack in solid carved wood – “CRISTIANI CONTRO PAGANI”
Rare and imposing Italian wall-mounted coat rack in solid wood carved in bas-relief, 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 fighters, shields and fallen figures intertwine in a deep carved setting. Architectural elements appear in the background.

In the lower part of the scene is the carved inscription:
« CRISTIANI CONTRO PAGANI »
(Christians against Pagans)

The two ends are also adorned with sculpted figures in relief and linked to the central composition by openwork elements decorated with geometric motifs.

The piece 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 construction to be observed in a substantial piece of solid wood, with its natural grain, knots and various signs of craftsmanship.

The sculpture shows a beautiful warm brown patina that enhances the depth of the relief.

This is a particularly decorative object, combining figurative sculpture, Italian popular art and functional furniture, whose near one-meter size gives it a strong presence once mounted on the wall.

Specifications
Origin: Italy
Proposed period: 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 considering the assumed age.
Presence of an antique patina, marks, small cracks, irregularities in the wood and signs of use compatible with the age and artisanal manufacture of the object.
The reverse naturally presents a rougher aspect than the sculpted face.
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 very decorative Italian piece, remarkable for its size, its chivalric iconography and the abundance of its carved decoration.