Using the ancient metalworking technique known as repousse, this copper bas relief plaque of the German 18th century polymath, Friedrich Schiller, was hand-chiseled in the 1800’s. Repousse requires the metal to be “punched” from the backside, meaning that the image is created in reverse. The plaque was then finished with a thin rolled rim.

This plaque is based off a portrait made of Schiller in 1802, during his ennoblement ceremony.  Schiller is depicted with long curly hair past his shoulders, gazing off to his right. As was the style for nobility of the 19th century, Schiller is clad in a loose-fitting shirt with a folded down collar. It appears as if he is wearing a ruffled cravat as well, which was a popular neckband at the time. The details are quite impressive, as the artist was able to accurately depict bone structure of the face, folds of fabric, and individual curls of hair. Our 19th century copper bas relief plaque will make a great decorative object on the wall of any room of the house.

Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller was born in 1759 in the Duchy of Württemberg (part of the Holy Roman Empire), in what is now southern Germany.  Considered a man of vast knowledge, Schiller was a poet, historian, lawyer, physician, and philosopher.  Many Germans consider him to be the most important German playwright.  Schiller’s most known work is Ode To Joy, which was incorporated as a theme into Beethoven’s final movement of his Ninth Symphony, completed in 1824.

CONDITION: Good antique condition with wear commensurate to age and use, including minor rubs and buildup. A small metal circlet has been affixed to the back for hanging purposes. Light traces of verdigris, specifically concentrated along the rolled rim. The plaque has a lovely dark patina, but in a few areas, traces of the original copper coloring is visible.