An antique wall plate depicting the image of Franz Joseph I of Austria. The plaque is made of Bois Durci, a plastic molding material based on cellulose patented in Paris in 1855, as indicated by the 'Bois Durci' stamp on the back of the plaque. It is housed within a beautifully decorated brass metal plate with a palmette motif encompassing the edge. Three attachment screws keep the plaque attached to the brass plate, with a fourth attachment missing. The portrait portrays Franz in his youth (around the mid-1850s, mid-20 years of age) as noted by his recognizable mustache still separate from his sideburns, and smooth facial features.

Franz Joseph I was Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary, and the ruler of the other states of the Habsburg monarchy from 2 Dec. 1848 to his death on 21 Nov. 1916. The assassination of his nephew and heir-presumptive Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Gavrilo Princip, and Franz's proceeding ultimatum of demands to Serbia are two of the final events that led to the outbreak of World War I.

Europe - 19th Century

D: 5 in., (12.7 cm)