Renaissance Ceremonial Shield

A rare Renaissance ceremonial shield, composed of 16th-century repoussé iron elements mounted on a 19th-century wooden base (the original planks must have been too worn to be preserved). The elements forming the rich decoration of this shield, which was likely associated with armor from the reign of Henry II, are indeed from the period, with the exception of a few small plaques that have been replaced by other, older repoussé pieces (probably from the 17th century) to fill the gaps. Nevertheless, it remains a very rare piece on the market, a superb example of the productions of the golden age of French armor. The ornamental repertoire illustrates the Italianate taste for classical-style profiles of figures in medallions reminiscent of the designs of Jacques Androuet du Cerceau. At the center of the shield is a cartouche with the "H" of Henry II surmounted by the royal crown.