Italian Repoussé Sterling Silver Madonna and Child Wall Plaque
Decorative Object (Wall Plaque / Icon) · Unidentified Italian Silversmith / Goldsmith Workshop (Commonly associated with Florentine or Venetian religious art manufacturers)
Pattern: Traditional Marian Iconography Series
Type
Decorative Object (Wall Plaque / Icon)
Maker
Unidentified Italian Silversmith / Goldsmith Workshop (Commonly associated with Florentine or Venetian religious art manufacturers)
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) overlay or repoussé plate mounted on a wooden or resin core, featuring selective parcel-gilt highlights
Dimensions
Estimated dimensions: 25 cm x 35 cm (approx. 10 x 14 inches); medium-sized wall plaque with a moderate weight depending on the thickness of the silver sheet and backing material
Description
A striking and deeply spiritual Italian wall plaque depicting the Madonna and Child in high-relief repoussé sterling silver. The Virgin Mary is shown tenderly embracing the Christ Child, her draped hood and garments flowing with soft, sculptural grace. The background features a textured, hand-tooled matte finish that contrasts sharply with the highly polished surfaces of the figures. Subtle parcel-gilt accents enhance the borders and details, adding warmth to the composition. Housed within a contrasting wooden frame with an inner gold-toned fillet, this piece exemplifies Italian mastery in religious metal art.
Key Features
High-relief repoussé technique, dramatic contrast between polished figures and a textured background, selective parcel-gilt detailing, and classic Italian devotional iconography
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) overlay or repoussé plate mounted on a wooden or resin core, featuring selective parcel-gilt highlights
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish on raised figural reliefs, matte textured background with hand-chased striations, and selective parcel-gilt (gold wash) accents on the garments and halo
Hallmarks & Stamps
Italian post-1968 silversmith identification marks (typically featuring a numeric maker's code and a star enclosed in a polygon, along with the .925 fineness stamp, usually located along the lower edge or reverse)
Construction Details
Hand-chased and repoussé sheet silver applied over a supportive backing form, likely wood or resin, with a surrounding decorative wood and metallic frame
Functional Features
Designed primarily as a devotional or decorative wall-hanging art piece, equipped with a hanging bracket on the reverse
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable; this is a wall-mounted decorative plaque with no handles or grips
Craftsmanship Details
Combination of machine-assisted backing and skilled hand-chasing/repoussé work on the silver sheet. The depth of the relief and the clean separation of textures indicate competent mid-to-high-tier artisan production
Authentication Indicators
Standard Italian rectangular cartouche stamps containing the maker's mark (symbol/number), region abbreviation, and '925' purity indicator typically found near the base of the plaque
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Italy (likely centers such as Florence, Milan, or Recanati), utilizing traditional Italian metalworking and repoussé techniques
Era & Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1970-1990), reflecting a revival of traditional religious motifs executed in modern Italian silver workshops
Age Estimate
Circa 1970s to 1990s, based on the style of the silver mounting and standard Italian hallmark conventions of the late 20th century
Cultural Significance
Represents the enduring cultural and religious tradition of Marian devotion in Catholic art, serving both as an object of personal faith and a prominent element of domestic interior decoration in Catholic households
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good condition. The silver surface retains a bright polish with minimal tarnishing due to protective lacquering common in late 20th-century Italian silver. Minor surface scuffs or dust in recessed areas may be present.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $150 and $400 USD, depending on the weight of the silver, the presence of official hallmarks, the quality of the frame, and brand reputation
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Avoid harsh silver dips or abrasive pastes if the piece has a protective anti-tarnish lacquer coating, which is standard for modern Italian decorative plaques
Similar Pieces
Similar silver plaques produced by Italian manufacturers such as Valenti, Argenti, or Linea Argenti, differing primarily in the specific maker's mark and minute stylistic variations in the facial features
Interesting Facts
Italy has a centuries-old tradition of producing religious icons in precious metals, with towns like Recanati and Florence becoming major global hubs for handcrafted silver religious art during the 20th century