Description
Exceptional 19th-Century Italian Bronze Plaque in Tiger Oak Frame
Porta Ravizza & Co. Milan — Circa 1891
A superb late-19th-century Milanese bronze plaque cast by Porta Ravizza & Co. to commemorate the revival of Castello Sforzesco during its major restoration campaign. Executed in a dramatic 4 cm high relief, the sculpture delivers commanding architectural precision and richly layered Renaissance Revival symbolism.
Presented in its original Tiger Oak frame, this is a definitive example of Milan’s fin-de-siècle rediscovery of its quattrocento identity.
Motto (upper field): POST FATA RESURGO — After death, I rise again
Dates in relief: MDCCCLXIII (1863) — transfer of the castle to the Municipality of Milan
MDCCCXCIV (1894) — peak restoration period
Dimensions Framed : 36.5 cm (W) × 27 cm (H) Relief depth: 4 cm
Frame: Period Tiger Oak, warm-toned, structurally sound, newly wired for display
Sforza–Visconti Heraldry
The bronze incorporates the unified ducal arms of Milan established after the Sforza accession:
1st & 4th Quarters — Visconti Biscione
The serpent swallowing (or giving birth to) a human: Milan’s ancient dynastic emblem.
2nd & 3rd Quarters — Sforza Beast
A lion–griffin hybrid representing Sforza military dominion and court authority.
This quartered configuration commemorates the union of Francesco Sforza and Bianca Maria Visconti, symbolising the consolidation of Milanese power in the 15th century.
Portrait Medallion — Sforza Archetypes
Lower-right medallic portraits executed in the idiom of quattrocento cast medals:
1Francesco I Sforza — Rebuilder and political founder of the modern ducal state
2Galeazzo Maria Sforza — Patron of the Renaissance court within the castle
Castello Sforzesco — Historic and Artistic Context
For six centuries, Castello Sforzesco served as residence, court, or military centre for:
The Visconti
The Sforza (patrons of Leonardo da Vinci & Bramante)
French Valois kings
Spanish Habsburgs
Austrian imperial administration
Napoleonic governance
The plaque’s heraldry and architectural programme reflect this continuous line of sovereign influence.
Artistic Programme & Foundry Work
Sunburst motif symbolizing civic rebirth
Renaissance Revival trophies, banners, and decorative elements
Crisp architectural depiction of Castello Sforzesco
Signed “PORTA RAVIZZA & CO.”, confirming Milanese workshop origin and quality
Provenance
Milanese Family Collection (By Direct Descent)
Held for generations within a long-standing Milanese family with connections to civic and artistic circles of the restoration era.
Eastern Shire Antiques Dealer (United Kingdom)
Later acquired by a reputable Eastern Shire dealer specialising in Continental bronzes and Italian Revival decorative arts.
Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
Formally assessed, catalogued, and stylistically verified by Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd. Their review confirmed period, attribution, and context.
Exhibited — Famous Lord Hill Museum, Autumn Exhibition
Included in the Lord Hill Museum’s Autumn Exhibition, shown within their curatorial focus on Renaissance Revival Italian metalwork and Milanese heraldry.
Condition
Bronze: Excellent, with original patina and strong modelling; no cracks, losses, or structural issues.
Frame: Period Tiger Oak, warm colour, robust and secure; fitted with new hanging wire.
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Source the Historic! British & European Fine Arts, paintings, sculptures & valuable collectibles! From the antique 17th century to the modern contemporary era. Founded in 2005 and still run today by fellow Directors Michael, and Victoria, for nearly two decades, coming from an academic background, overseeing all historical research. Supporting the daily operations at Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD & directing our social media campaigns, we've been taking art collectors, hobbyists, and interior aficionados on a journey through time. Our passion is sourcing the very best historic collections that the arts and antiques world has to offer and to-date, we have worked directly with private clients through to commercial corporate organisations, museums, auctioneers, art agents & dealers being their leading collaboration partners as Fine Arts consultants. Certified elected members of the Fine Art Trade Guild.
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Condition
Used
Buyer's Premium
20%
19th Century Bronze Sculpture Castello Sforzesco Milan Sforza Visconti Heraldry
$2,160.00
$3,000
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