This is such a curiosity! As many of you know, I love collecting (and selling) antique and religious artifacts.
We recently found this amazing religious shield in France and we were very intrigued with it. Not only because of it’s religious nature but also the paint colors and the iconology in the piece.
Once it arrived from France, we carefully unpacked it and was relieved to see that it had arrived unscathed.
However, the mystery wasn’t solved!
I am very curious as to what the symbology means!
So if anyone has a clue, please enlighten me!
It is rather large, measuring 39.5″ x 32″, made of carved wood and handpainted with wonderful religious icons and text.
I contacted the seller and asked if they had any further information on the provenance of this piece.
From their research, they believe it is 19th century and it was acquired from the estate of a “man of the cloth” in the town of Rouen, which is in Northern France.
There were other shields that were acquired as well that were smaller and had painted fabric over the shields.
It is quite intriguing and we love it hanging in our home. Every time I walk by it, I end up staring at it and trying to figure out what it symbolizes!
It is very faded so we have not been able to make out any of the text in the banner.
Keeping my fingers crossed that someone has some information!
Please share!
It is definitely a curiosity!
Blessings,
Cindy
Here’s a better response: “Based on the conopeum (umbrella) in the image, I would guess that it is the arms of a chapter of cannons regular for a basilica or a cathedral. The arms of a bishop would have a gallero on top, and the arms of a diocese a fancy looking crown. The conopeum suggests a church associated with a bishop, the bottom half of the shield a diocese, and the top part association with saints (the Blessed Mother) being one.”
My guess is that it is a Bishop’s shield/coat of arms. Here’s a little bit on ecclesiastical heraldry. Sure there are more complete and in depth resources. If you know the area it is from and the date, you should be able to look up past Bishops. Just my guess.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecclesiastical_heraldry
Awesome Janet! Going to do some research now! Thank you!