{"product_id":"milanese-bronze-relief-renaissance-revival-heraldry-castello-sforzesco-wall-sculpture","title":"Milanese Bronze Relief Renaissance Revival Heraldry Castello Sforzesco Wall Sculpture","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePorta Ravizza \u0026amp; Co. Milanese Bronze Plaque of Castello Sforzesco, Circa 1894\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA Monumental Renaissance Revival Relief Celebrating the Historic Castle of Milan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA remarkable late-19th-century Italian bronze relief celebrating Castello Sforzesco and the Renaissance dynasties that shaped the political and artistic identity of Milan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSigned by the Milanese workshop Porta Ravizza \u0026amp; Co., this deeply modelled plaque presents the castle within an elaborate historical composition of dynastic arms, radiating ornament, military trophies, banners and Renaissance-style portrait medallions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts powerful Latin inscription, “POST FATA RESURGO,” translates as “After death, I rise again,” making the plaque an eloquent symbol of the castle’s survival and late-19th-century revival.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bronze is housed in a handsome period tiger-oak frame and is newly wired for display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSigned bronze plaque by Porta Ravizza \u0026amp; Co., Milan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eItalian Renaissance Revival design dating from approximately 1894.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArchitectural representation of Castello Sforzesco in pronounced high relief.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSforza and Visconti dynastic imagery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLatin motto “POST FATA RESURGO.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDated in Roman numerals MDCCCLXIII and MDCCCXCIV.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo Renaissance-style profile portraits traditionally associated with the Sforza dynasty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeriod tiger-oak frame with newly fitted hanging wire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDocumented private family provenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreviously exhibited in Shropshire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA Sculptural Celebration of Milan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis substantial bronze relief belongs to the cultural movement that transformed Castello Sforzesco from a threatened former military stronghold into a celebrated symbol of Milanese history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe castle is shown as the visual and symbolic centre of the design. Its walls, towers and battlements project dramatically from the surrounding field, producing a rich interaction between illuminated surfaces and deeply shadowed recesses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAround the architecture is an ambitious programme of Renaissance Revival imagery. Heraldic devices, portrait profiles, banners and decorative trophies connect the restored monument with the ruling families responsible for its development during the Italian Renaissance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pronounced relief, extending to an approximate maximum depth of 4 cm, gives the plaque the presence of a small architectural sculpture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Motto of Renewal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe inscription “POST FATA RESURGO” appears prominently in the upper field.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLiterally translated as “After death, I rise again,” the phrase is historically associated with renewal following destruction or adversity. Within this composition, it appears to refer poetically to the survival and restoration of Castello Sforzesco.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sentiment would have carried considerable resonance in late-19th-century Milan, when the castle was being reclaimed as an important civic and cultural monument.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDates Within the Bronze\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe plaque bears two dates in Roman numerals:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMDCCCLXIII — 1863.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMDCCCXCIV — 1894.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese dates appear to establish a commemorative historical span culminating in 1894. Because the later year is incorporated directly into the casting, the plaque is most appropriately catalogued as circa 1894 or shortly thereafter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe previously suggested date of circa 1891 has therefore been revised to avoid placing the object before its latest cast inscription.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDynastic Symbols\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe plaque draws upon the heraldic traditions of the Visconti and Sforza families.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts most immediately recognisable emblem is the Visconti biscione, the celebrated serpent-and-human device that has represented Milanese dynastic and civic identity for centuries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe quartered scheme also includes an imperial eagle-like device associated with ducal rule. The combination recalls the succession of Francesco Sforza and his marriage to Bianca Maria Visconti, through which the Sforza inherited and continued the political legacy of the Visconti dukes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese historic symbols are presented decoratively rather than as a detached armorial study. They are integrated into the plaque’s broader narrative of Milanese authority, inheritance and renewal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRenaissance Portrait Tradition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo profile medallions appear within the lower portion of the composition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir format derives from the cast portrait medals produced by leading Italian artists during the 15th century. Such medals were created to commemorate rulers, military leaders, patrons and members of courtly society.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe figures have traditionally been interpreted as Sforza portraits, possibly Francesco I Sforza and Galeazzo Maria Sforza. This identification is plausible within the plaque’s wider historical programme but should be treated as a traditional interpretation unless confirmed by documentary evidence or a directly comparable named example.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCastello Sforzesco\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe origins of Castello Sforzesco lie in the Visconti fortress established during the 14th century. Francesco Sforza reconstructed the complex during the following century, transforming it into an imposing ducal residence and centre of Renaissance court culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe castle became associated with some of the defining artistic personalities of Renaissance Milan, including Leonardo da Vinci and Bramante.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt later passed through French, Spanish, Austrian and Napoleonic control and underwent extensive military adaptation. By the 19th century, its survival was uncertain, with demolition among the proposals considered for the site.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA major preservation movement ultimately secured its future. Luca Beltrami devised an important reconstruction programme in 1893, placing the monument at the heart of Milan’s renewed engagement with its Renaissance past.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Porta Ravizza \u0026amp; Co. Workshop\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe relief bears the cast signature “PORTA RAVIZZA \u0026amp; CO.,” identifying its Milanese workshop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe firm’s signature provides the principal basis for the maker attribution. The identity of the individual modeller or sculptor responsible for the original design has not been established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe crisp casting, considerable depth and complex integration of architecture, portraiture and heraldry indicate a workshop capable of producing sophisticated commemorative metalwork for an informed late-19th-century market.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterials and Presentation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe relief is cast in bronze and retains a mature, naturally varied patina that enhances its deeply modelled surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is presented within a period frame made from richly figured tiger oak. The distinctive linear grain and warm colouring of the timber create an effective visual boundary around the darker bronze.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe frame remains structurally sound and has been fitted with new hanging wire, allowing the plaque to be displayed immediately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom a Milanese family collection and retained by direct descent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLater acquired by an Eastern Shires antiques dealer in the United Kingdom specialising in Continental antiques and decorative metalwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubsequently curated and catalogued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrivately loaned and exhibited at the Famous Lord Hill Museum, Shropshire, during an autumn exhibition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeasurements\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall framed width: 36.5 cm \/ approximately 14.4 inches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall framed height: 27 cm \/ approximately 10.6 inches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaximum stated relief or depth: approximately 4 cm \/ 1.6 inches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeasurements are approximate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bronze is in excellent antique condition, retaining strong high-relief modelling and a naturally aged patina.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo cracks, major losses or structural faults have been reported. Minor marks, rubbing, surface variation and patination should be expected from a genuine late-19th-century bronze.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe period tiger-oak frame displays an attractive warm surface and remains robust and secure. New hanging wire has been fitted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease refer to the complete photographic record for close views of the bronze, casting, signature, frame and surface condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDisplay and Interior Placement\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its combination of architecture, heraldry and richly patinated bronze, the plaque would make a distinctive focal point within a library, study, entrance hall, drawing room or curated gallery wall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt would particularly complement collections of Italian Grand Tour objects, Renaissance Revival decorative art, European bronzes, architectural sculpture, heraldry and Milanese historical material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWorldwide shipping is available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe plaque will be carefully and professionally packed, fully insured and dispatched using an appropriate tracked service. Particular attention will be given to protecting the projecting bronze relief and period wooden frame.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease contact Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD® if you require additional photographs, detailed condition information or assistance with international delivery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAttribution \u0026amp; Research Notice\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe historical observations, provenance research, attribution analysis and contextual commentary presented within this catalogue entry represent the professional opinion of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®. They are offered in good faith as informed scholarly assessments based upon the available evidence, comparative research, published reference material and our experience within the international fine art market.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese observations should be understood as professional opinions rather than definitive statements of fact or guarantees of authorship, attribution, date, origin, provenance or historical interpretation. As with all historic works of art, future documentary discoveries, technical examination, conservation analysis or advances in academic research may refine, expand or revise current interpretations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecialising in carefully curated British and European fine art, antiques and historic works of art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery artwork is professionally researched and catalogued using comparative scholarship, published reference material and over two decades of experience within the international fine art market. We are committed to offering collectors works of artistic and historical merit, accompanied by transparent provenance research, accurate catalogue descriptions and a professional, client-focused service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are always pleased to answer questions, provide additional photographs or discuss any artwork in greater detail.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56151786815866,"sku":"CAC-SK-0448","price":2000.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0201\/2227\/1808\/files\/MilanCastelloSforzescoOfSforza_ViscontiHeraldry.jpg?v=1762687451","url":"https:\/\/cheshireantiquesconsultantltd.com\/ga-nl\/products\/milanese-bronze-relief-renaissance-revival-heraldry-castello-sforzesco-wall-sculpture","provider":"Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD","version":"1.0","type":"link"}