Kilpi - Ranska - 1850-1900

Decorative reproduction in iron cast made during the 19th century (the Second Empire period or the Haute Époque style highly valued in the Victorian era) of Henri II’s escutcheon, the famous King of France (1519-1559).

The historical original specimen, dated around 1555, is a centerpiece of ceremonial armor in repoussé steel, damascened with gold and silver. The original work today forms part of the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York (a twin model very close to it or other pieces of its armor are also located at the Louvre).

Iconography features:
• The central scene: It presents in very detailed fashion a battle scene from the Battle of Cannae (216 BC), where Hannibal Barca and the Carthaginian army defeated the Romans. In Renaissance times, this victory was used as a metaphor for France’s struggles against its own rivals.
• The ornaments: The surround is richly decorated with Renaissance motifs including mascarons (grotesque or mythological faces, with a Medusa or deity’s head at the top), allegorical figures, military trophies and garlands of flowers. [1, 2, 3]
• The border: A relief contour imitating a twisted rope adorns the entire piece. [1]