Monumental 19th Century French Copper Plaques Pair – 24.4 Inches

This monumental pair of French copper plaques belongs to a 19th-century French historicist production, executed in finely worked repoussé and chased copper, and mounted in original circular wooden frames. The ensemble is part of the 19th-century decorative tradition that revived Renaissance and Mannerist models, drawing inspiration from dynastic portrait medallions.

The plaques represent, respectively, Henry IV of France and Marie de’ Medici, Queen of France through her marriage to Henry IV, mother and later regent of Louis XIII of France, key figures of the French monarchy at the turn of the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The date 1610, incorporated into the iconography, refers to the year of Henry IV’s assassination and the beginning of Marie de’ Medici’s regency, reinforcing the historical and commemorative nature of the visual program.

The repoussé work displays deep, confident relief, with well-modeled profiles, carefully defined court dress, and a clear, legible treatment of facial features. The front surfaces of both French copper plaques retain a stable, even, and visually rich patina, resulting from the natural aging of the copper and consistent with pieces that have not undergone aggressive cleaning. Oxidation is limited to the reverse, a typical condition for copper plaques intended for long-term wall display.

DIMENSIONS
Diameter: 62 cm / 24.4 in
Overall depth (relief): 5.5 cm / 2.1 in

By virtue of their monumental scale, iconographic coherence, and quality of execution, these French copper plaques fully align with the European tradition of 19th-century historicist decorative arts. The set is particularly suited to decorative arts collectors and to decorators or interior designers working with classical or formal interiors, where both visual presence and historical content are valued.