Utilizing the metalworking technique known as repousse, where images are hammered from the verso side, this pair of copper reliefs depict two scenes from Shakespearean plays. After the original 1812 panels by Elkington & Co, the famous silver manufacturing company from Birmingham, England, our scenes are from the late 1800’s and have been mounted on wood backing boards with a high sheen black finish and beveled edges.

One relief features a scene from The Merchant of Venice, while the other depicts Much Ado About Nothing. Both scenes are surrounded by a raised molding festooned with arabesque. The molding is bordered on all sides by a shaped border adorned with a mascaron in each corner surmounting foliage and stage props. In between the faces along both vertical side is a geometric engraving topped by an apothecary scale (Merchant) and lyres (Much Ado). All other elements are identical, with the exception of the plaque at the bottom that gives the play’s title. Of note is the cartouche above each scene, which depicts two winged cherubs holding a laurel wreath above a cameo of The Bard himself. Shakespeare is surrounded by books and a floral swag. Our copper relief panels of Shakespeare scenes would make fantastic decorative wall plaques for a living room, library, or office.

CONDITION: Good antique condition, with some light discoloration and rubs, both commensurate with age and handling. Minor rubs and losses, with some craquelure to the finish of the backing boards. Brackets installed on the back for hanging purposes. One panel (Much Ado About Nothing) has more recent green felt on the back, with some wear from installations.