Alessandro Zenobi Italian Silver-Plated and Parcel Gilt Bas-Relief Coastal Village Plaque
Decorative Object, specific subcategory Bas-Relief Wall Plaque / Picture · Alessandro Zenobi, a known Italian designer and silver workshop creator recognized for producing sculptural bas-relief metal art, often combining silver-plating and parcel gilding to depict scenic Italian landscapes and coastal vistas.
Pattern: Coastal Italian Landscape Series, featuring architectural seaside villages, sailing boats, and Mediterranean motifs.
Type
Decorative Object, specific subcategory Bas-Relief Wall Plaque / Picture
Maker
Alessandro Zenobi, a known Italian designer and silver workshop creator recognized for producing sculptural bas-relief metal art, often combining silver-plating and parcel gilding to depict scenic Italian landscapes and coastal vistas.
Material
Silver-plated metal base with selective parcel gilding (gold tone accents applied to highlights such as rooftops, specific walls, and boat interiors).
Dimensions
Estimated rectangular dimensions of approximately 15 cm width by 10 cm height, typical of small decorative desk plaques or miniature wall art.
Description
An exquisite Italian bas-relief decorative plaque by Alessandro Zenobi capturing a charming Mediterranean coastal village scene. The rectangular piece displays incredible depth and texture, featuring stacked stone architecture, winding staircases descending to the shore, and several small rowboats resting on the pebble beach. The background reveals calm coastal waters with distant mountain ranges under a partly cloudy sky. The finish contrasts bright silver-plated surfaces with oxidized dark recesses and selective warm parcel gilding on the rooftops and boats, creating a rich, dimensional artistic effect. Signed by the maker in the lower right corner.
Key Features
Highly detailed sculptural high-relief technique, striking contrast between silver-plated and parcel-gilt surfaces, distinct artist signature 'Zenobi', and authentic Italian maker's sticker.
Material & Composition
Silver-plated metal base with selective parcel gilding (gold tone accents applied to highlights such as rooftops, specific walls, and boat interiors).
Finish & Decoration
High-relief repoussé or cast appearance with a combination of bright polished highlights, textured matte surfaces, oxidized recesses to create dramatic shadows, and selective gold plating (parcel gilt). Depicts a Mediterranean coastal village with stone buildings, stairs leading to the water, beached wooden rowboats, and distant mountains.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Signed by the artist 'Zenobi' in script on the lower right corner, accompanied by maker's cartouches including a rectangular box with initials or symbols, and a separate certification sticker on the lower right showing the branding 'alessandro zenobi made in italy'.
Construction Details
Cast and hand-finished metal plaque with applied high-relief sculptural elements, electroplated with silver and selectively gilded, mounted or displayed independently.
Functional Features
Designed primarily as a decorative art piece, desk accessory, or miniature wall hanging to showcase Italian artisanal metalwork.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable as this is a flat/bas-relief decorative plaque without handles or grips.
Craftsmanship Details
Demonstrates skilled artisanal casting and hand-finishing, with careful attention given to texturing the water, rocks, and building facades to achieve a realistic sense of depth and perspective.
Authentication Indicators
Clear incised artist signature 'Zenobi', formal manufacturer stamps in the lower right corner, and the distinctive gold-toned foil maker's label confirming Italian origin.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Italy, adhering to traditional Italian decorative metalworking and electroplating artistry prominent in regions like Florence and Recanati.
Era & Period
Late 20th Century / Contemporary Decorative Art (circa 1970s-1990s), reflecting the revival of detailed Italian sculptural metal souvenirs and art plaques.
Age Estimate
Late 20th century, circa 1980-2000, based on the style of the signature stamping and modern synthetic branding sticker.
Cultural Significance
Represents the rich Italian tradition of artisanal metal-sculpting and souvenir art, celebrating the idyllic coastal beauty and architecture of the Mediterranean.
Condition Notes
Very good vintage condition with intact silver-plating and gilding. Minor surface dust in the deep crevices appropriate for age and display use. No major structural damage, dents, or deep scratches.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $50 and $150 USD depending on the secondary art market, gallery setting, and presence of original framing or packaging.
Care & Maintenance
Dust gently with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Avoid harsh chemical dips or abrasive silver polishes, as they can strip the delicate parcel gilding and the oxidized antiquing finish.
Similar Pieces
Similar Italian decorative plaques by makers such as Valenti, Argenti, or Cesa, which similarly utilize silver-plating and gold accents to depict landscapes and religious or historic scenes.
Interesting Facts
Alessandro Zenobi pieces are highly sought after by collectors of mid-to-late 20th-century Italian decorative arts, particularly tourists and enthusiasts of Mediterranean scenic metalcraft.