AN EMBOSSED AND GILDED STEEL COPY OF THE GHISI PARADE SHIELD

AN EMBOSSED AND GILDED STEEL COPY OF THE GHISI PARADE SHIELD

IN RENAISSANCE STYLE, 19TH CENTURY

of convex circular form, relief decorated with a central scene of equestrian combat and four oval panels depicting the allegorical figures of Victory, Fame, Fortune and Prudence; the intervening space inhabited by warriors and satyrs from the Illiad and ancient mythology, with intricate gilt decoration to the cartouche frames around the panels, the figures' garments and other details, with a gilt border and a fringed velvet lining

58cm diameter

Provenance

Alfred de Rothschild (1842-1918) the Bronzina Room, Halton House, Buckinghamshire

Lionel de Rothschild (1882-1942)

Edmund de Rothschild (1916-2009)

The Trustees of Exbury House

Literature

Rothschild Archive, London, Manuscript: 000/174/C/3, Christie, Manson & Woods Probate Valuation of 'The Estate of Alfred C. de Rothschild, Esq. C.V.O. Deceased, Halton House Tring'. 1918. Listed as 'An Italian scircular shield, chiselled with battle scenes and emblematic figures and partly damascened with gold, Milanese 16th century, £300.0.0.''

Catalogue Note

The original shield attributed to Georgio Ghisi was made in Antwerp in 1554. It was acquired by Baron Anselm von Rothschild at the Demidov sale in 1870 and then by inheritance to his son Baron Ferdinand Rothschild of Waddesdon Manor. It was left to the British Museum in 1898 by Baron Ferdinand Rothschild as part of the Waddesdon Bequest of over 300 objects. It is interesting that Alfred had a copy of his cousin's shield.