A pair of elliptical reliefs dating to circa 1850, these French plaques depict various stages in the life of St. Louis. The metallic reliefs, which are signed “Justin” in the lower left, are wonderful three-dimensional renderings surrounded by gold matte with a deep cavetto and encased within wood and glass frames with deep undercut moldings.

One scene represents the arrival of Louis IX, King of France (later canonized as St Louis), at the royal chapel known as Sainte-Chapelle. Commissioned by Louis in the mid-1200s, the Gothic shrine was a major addition to the Medieval Palais de la Cité, which was (at the time) the residence of the Kings of France. The other plaque shows Louis leading an army against the Saracens in Egypt, known as the Seventh Crusade. Both scenes are loaded with details, even in the backgrounds, which are in lower relief than the foregrounds.

Justin Mathieu was a French sculptor born in 1796. He is known for his historical reliefs, many of which he exhibited in Paris Salons from 1846-1864. This particular pair detailing the life of St Louis was produced during Mathieu’s halcyon days and can be hung on any wall of the house.

CONDITION: Good antique condition. Minor age separations to wood frames. Light buildup to glass and slight losses to the gilded matte surround. Both plaques have tape on the verso sides to ensure stability. Some patination has developed in some areas, adding a gray hue to the pewter-colored reliefs.