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Description
An exceptional large-scale repoussé copper portrait plaque of the Flemish Baroque masterPeter Paul Rubens (1577–1640),
The plaque depicts Rubens in very high relief wearing his characteristic broad-brimmed hat, surrounded by the Latin inscriptionPETRVS PAVLVS RVBENS. Beside the portrait is an elaborate representation of the Rubens family coat of arms, beneath which appear the highly significant dates:
1577 – 1877
These dates mark the300th anniversary of Rubens\'s birth.
Antwerp held major official celebrations for the Rubens tercentenary in August 1877. Contemporary records describe the widespread production and display of Rubens portraits, his name, heraldic devices and commemorative objects throughout the city, while surviving museum-held medals produced for the festivities also bear the dates1577–1877.
For this reason, together with the plaque\'s construction, unusually deep repoussé work, large size and substantially higher quality than the more commonly encountered later 20th-century decorative Rubens plaques, this example appears very likely to have been producedin connection with, or in the immediate period surrounding, the 1877 Antwerp Rubens tercentenary.
A precise maker has not yet been identified, and I have therefore deliberately avoided attributing the plaque to a specific workshop. Based on the available evidence, I would conservatively date itcirca 1877–1900, with an 1877-era origin considered particularly plausible.
The quality of the modelling is excellent. The facial features, eyes, moustache and beard are strongly defined, while the collar, clothing and heraldic details retain considerable depth and crispness. The reverse clearly follows the deep relief of the portrait, characteristic of worked/pressed repoussé sheet metal construction rather than a superficial modern decorative casting.
The rolled outer edge incorporates a small suspension hole for wall approx.61.5 cm / 24.2 in
Maximum overall depth: approx.5.3 cm / 2.1 in
Outer rim/edge depth: approx.2.2 cm / 0.87 in
Material
Copper / copper alloy, repoussé or deeply pressed construction
Period
Probably Belgium, late 19th century
Circa 1877–1900
Very possibly associated with the Antwerp Rubens tercentenary celebrations of 1877
Condition
Good antique condition with naturally developed oxidation, patina, surface variation, minor dents and age-related wear consistent with a large worked copper object of this period. Please examine all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description.
The surface has intentionallynot been polished, preserving the old patina.
An unusually large and visually impressive Rubens commemorative portrait, particularly notable for the1577–1877 inscription, elaborate heraldry and exceptional depth of relief.
International shipping from Japan will be carefully packed and fully tracked.
