RARE 18th C. Italian Embossed Iron Gold and Silver Inlaid Parade Shield Milanese

Status: Sold · Region: Europe · Type: Armor

A just magnificent Italian parade shield dating from the 18th C. This example was made towards the end of the period when Italian armors in Northern Italy produced beautiful embossed iron parade armor for Italian officers of city states and mercenary armies. Many of these pieces were made in the style a la antica following the passion for Roman and Greek motifs during the early to late Renaissance. This example is in truly superb condition with an old repair at the mouth of the lion, the remains of which can be seen on the inside with some light rusting. The rest of the shield displays a consistent antique age consistent with these kinds of armors. The face is divided into four sections showing historical battle scenes with the faces of famour generals: Caesar, Charlemagne, and two others one of whom appears to Francesco Gonzaga or one of the condottieri of the Medici family. The shield displays the proper wholes for mounting an inner liner and has gold and silver inlays throughout. See the pictures in relief showing the fine quality of the embossing. One of the most interesting decorative motifs is the middle pannel which displays Islamic arabesque designs of very fine quality. In a number of examples of Northern Italian decorative arts, in arms and armor but also other areas where artist craftsmen worked, the interactions with the Ottoman empire and with the Islamic world throughout the Mediterranean influenced craftsmen. This design motif appears to reflect that cultural interaction and is very uncommon to see in such fine detail on a piece of armor.