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This is an ornamental French Escutcheon from the mid-16th Century - French Renaissance XVI (~1550). This protective plate for a door or lock has a woman in nude and heart supported by two putti, on the right and left. At center is a keyhole. The woman faces forward and the figures of both putti facing inwards. The woman is wearing a crown and necklace which implies this could be from a wealthy home or royalty.
There has been no restoration on this piece, but it has been mounted with glue on a silk brocade that can be removed. There are a few cracks due to the age of this piece and some rusting as you can see with the picture included. However, the bronze gilding is in good condition.
Provenance/History:
This item was purchased from Anne-France Bergonier - Antiquaire from her antique store in Marche De Puces St. Ouen in Paris. Proof of purchase receipt, her description of item, and Stamp of Antiquaire in file.
The antiquaire that we purchased the escuthcheon from had also just recently acquired this piece. She purchased it from a collegue who purchased this from an estate that verified to be from the French Renaissance period ~1550 and thus where she got the time period and age estimate of the piece. Also the age of the metal and the use of the Putti in this piece shows the period to be around the French Renaissance.
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Recently on 07/10/13 authenticated by a Specialists in Decorative Arts from Bonhams Los Angeles to be highly likely from the French Renaissance late 16th Century time period. Will include documentation and Bonham's contact information to support this.
The antiquaire that we purchased the escuthcheon had also just recently acquired this piece. She purchased it from a collegue who purchased this from an estate that verified to be from the French Renaissance period ~1550 and thus where she got the time period and age estimate of the piece. Also the age of the metal and the use of the putti motiffs shows it to be from the French Renaissance period.
***
Recently on 07/10/13 authenticated by a Specialists in Decorative Arts from Bonhams Los Angeles to be highly likely from the French Renaissance late 16th Century time period. Will include documentation and Bonham's contact information to support this.
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Re: Escutcheon for a Door Lock - 16th Century - French...
It's almost impossible to date pieces like this, as they were used to adorn cabinets and doors right into the 20th Century. It will need a physical appraisal by a specialist to determine its value.
Re: Escutcheon for a Door Lock - 16th Century - French...
A specialist in Decorative Arts from Bonhams Los Angeles just replied to my inquiry stating that she thinks this Escutcheon is highly likely based from the French Renaissance period or late 16th Century. She stated that this piece is very interesting academically, but Bonhams would not have the proper market to auction this item.
Re: Escutcheon for a Door Lock - 16th Century - French...
I have a serious interest in this keyhole escutcheon. Please email me at: [email protected]. Thankyou, Jack
Re: Escutcheon for a Door Lock - 16th Century - French...
Hi Jack. Your email did not work. Please email me at [email protected] for more information. Thanks. Justin