Constructed from antique salvaged wood and more recent boards, this large stemma plaque has an outward curve, reminiscent of the bend of a real shield. Hand-painted in Florence, Italy, the plaque features a grisaille-like (a painting technique that utilizes only shades of gray or other neutral colors, in this case, beige) collage of several coats of arms. The central element is a large escutcheon with two fields: a rampant lion on the dexter (left) and five roundels beneath a sixth roundel emblazoned with a fleur de lys on the sinister (right side). Numerous volutes encircle the shield, forming a scrolled console with a segmented shell at the top, and two smaller coat of arms near the bottom. Measuring 57 ¼ inches tall, our large hand-painted stemma plaque would make a wonderful wall-mounted decorative object in a game room, living room, or entry hall.

CONDITION: Very good condition. The plaque has been constructed from salvaged antique wood and more recent wood. The hand-painted coat of arms was added this century. Minor separations and craquelure. Light nicks with traces of old woodworm to the antique boards.