16th-17th century A.D. A bronze gilt plaque of a Saint (Joseph?) or Abbot seated upon a cloud and holding a child with his right arm in the folds of his long gown, closed by a belt and fitted with a collet; the scene framed on a red velvet background, edged by gilded leather. Cf. similar style of execution in Norris, A.S. & Weber, I., Medals and Plaquettes from the Molinari collection at Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Main, 1976, plaque with Madonna and Child, no.361. 57 grams, 12.6 x 10.2 cm (5 x 4 in.) Acquired in the 1970s. Property of a gentleman. The iconography of the plaque (perhaps part of a group of votive figures including other religious characters) refers to the figure of a Saint dressed as an abbot, which could however also symbolize St. Joseph, putative father of Christ. The work seems related to the Italian Venetian school of 16th-17th century A.D., for the style of execution.

Fine condition.