This amazing 18th Century French hand carved wood bas relief has all been carved out of the wood as opposed to applied. Within the motif of a circle, it depicts St. Augustine, one of the most important theologians of the early Church. He is depicted here, sitting at a desk with a quill in his right hand and a book on a lutrin or lectern in the background. This can be said to symbolize his voluminous apologetic writings. In his left hand is a flaming heart, symbolizing the Sacred Heart. St. Augustine wrote 113 books and treatises, along with hundreds of sermons and letters. At the top of the circle is a double shell motif with vines of flowers and leaves falling down to either side. Palm fronds extend outward from the lower half of the circle ending with two cherubs at the bottom of the circle. All this rests upon a gadrooned lobed base spanning only three quarters of the width of the plaque. This wonderful French plaque from the 1700’s can be used as a piece of art, hung upon a wall or used as an overdoor, or angled upon a large table as a wonderful accessory.

CONDITION: Very good antique condition. Age separations, rubs, nicks, minor loss of a motif.