Plaque - Metal

A large cast metal wall plaque made in the orientalist manner, after the work of French animalier sculptor Roger Godchaux (1878–1958), dating to circa 1900. The composition depicts a young boy wearing a tarboush and seated astride an elephant, set against a background of dense forest vegetation. The central group of boy and elephant is rendered in pronounced three-dimensional relief against the flatter ground, giving the piece considerable depth. The plaque carries an applied silver patina throughout and is unsigned; no foundry or maker's mark is present. Condition is Good: the silver patina shows noticeable wear across the surface consistent with age and handling, and four nail holes are present in the corners indicating the plaque was formerly mounted or framed. No repairs or restorations are recorded. Dimensions: 38.5 x 27.5 cm; weight: 1,411 g.