Bas-relief Slab Of Petrified Limestone, Calcite, “allegory” - Napoleon III

Bas-relief slab of petrified limestone, calcite, “Allegory” - NAPOLEON III Beautiful bas-relief (a form of sculpture in which the figures protrude slightly from a background). In this case, the bas-relief is made of petrified limestone, also called calcite. The artist created a matrix and then a negative mold. The mold was placed under petrifying water rich in calcium carbonate (stalactite), which completely covered it with limestone, removed from the mold and the excess limestone was removed. At the center of the medallion is the mythological figure of Diana, goddess of the hunt, with a bow, a dog and a bird at her feet. The central figure is surrounded by elaborate floral and ornamental motifs, including faces, cornucopias of abundance and doves in love. The workmanship is precise, with well-defined details that give depth and movement to the scene. The state of conservation is perfect, it has a beautiful patina. The external wooden frame has a finish that imitates tortoiseshell or marble, with golden details, on the back it shows the label of origin. Period: Napoleon III. Measurements: diameter cm. 25.4 - plate diameter cm. 18