A Tragic Scene Engraved in Bronze
This is a powerful and striking work: a finely crafted bronze plaque depicting the assassination of King Henri IV of France, which occurred on May 14, 1610, on rue de la Ferronnerie in Paris. In a moment frozen in time, the royal carriage is assaulted by Ravaillac, a Catholic fanatic, while the guards attempt to react. The whole piece vibrates with dramatic tension, emphasized by the expressive relief of the figures and the architectural background.
An Object of Memory and Ornament
This bronze plaque, framed in fine wood, is part of the tradition of 19th-century decorative historical furniture, a period during which great scenes from French history were celebrated in bourgeois interiors.
Such pieces were:
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Affixed to the walls of libraries or living rooms,
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Integrated into wood paneling or fireplaces,
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Presented as objects of culture and civic memory, reflecting major monarchical or republican events.
An Art Bronze with Strong Symbolic Meaning
Beyond its aesthetics, this plaque testifies to the 19th-century taste for history, past glory, and political tragedy. The style of the relief evokes the great art bronzes of the late century, in the vein of productions by Barbedienne or Susse Frères. Meticulous work, in very honorable condition, enriched by a golden patina with warm reflections.
Technical Specifications:
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Material: solid bronze, gilded patina
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Frame: varnished, molded wood
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Overall dimensions: 22 cm × 17 cm
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Condition: very good, slight crack in the wood without structural fragility
*For this item, delivery is included in France, Belgium & Luxembourg only by carrier, within 2 to 6 weeks depending on schedule. For other countries, do not hesitate to request a quote by e-mail at