Cast Iron Shield

A wonderfully decorative cast iron shield of stunning quality most probably an exhibition piece. The shed is a replica of that belonging to King Henry II of France, the original dating to circa 1555. The colour and patina of the metal gives the shield an almost bronze like appearance. Cast with makers name husqvarna, the Swedish company can trace its existence back to 1689 when it began producing muskets.

The battle scene at the center is thought to depict the victory of Hannibal and the Carthaginians over the Romans in Cannae in 216 B.C., which here could be interpreted as an allusion to the struggle of France against the Holy Roman Empire during the sixteenth century.

Note: The original, circa 1555, is in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Date:
Mid 19th Century
Circa 1860

Approx. Dimensions:
Width 43cm
Depth 5cm
Height 60cm

Condition:
Excellent, Please See Images.