Large Antique Hand-Carved Oak Heraldic Coat of Arms Armorial Panel

Details

Description

Large antique carved oak heraldic coat of arms armorial panel

a wonderfully decorative large antique carved oak heraldic armorial panel, … Read more Large antique carved oak heraldic coat of arms armorial panel

a wonderfully decorative large antique carved oak heraldic armorial panel, finely worked in deep relief with a complete coat of arms. The central shield displays an ermine-decorated chevron beneath a lion passant, surmounted by a closed tournament helmet with wonderfully elaborate scrolling mantling. Rising above is the particularly unusual crest of a demi-seahorse, modelled with raised forelegs and webbed feet, the entire composition displaying excellent depth and sculptural quality. The lower section is boldly carved with the latin motto “ne cede malis”, translating approximately as “yield not to adversity” or “do not give way to misfortune.” the motto has a long history in british heraldry and appears in several documented armorial traditions, although the motto alone cannot safely identify the family represented here. The combination of the lion, ermine chevron and distinctive seahorse crest should make further heraldic research particularly interesting, and i would avoid assigning it to a specific family without documentary confirmation. A substantial and extremely handsome piece of traditional heraldic carving, displaying a beautifully mellow honey-brown colour and richly developed patina. The crisp carving of the flowing acanthus-style mantling, helmet, shield and fantastical seahorse gives the panel considerable presence, making it ideal for a library, entrance hall, country-house interior or collection of heraldic and historical works of art.

dimensions height: 60cm width: 37cm depth: 4cm See less