Carved Antique spread eagle
Malta - Collection Only€1,400.00
Carved Antique spread eagle spreadeagle European carved wood WOODEN HERALDIC DEVICE decorative carving.
In Malta. Probably circa 1800 , a probably North Italian carved eagle with side facing head. Carved from one principal chunk of wood , possibly linden/lime or poplar. The base has a rounded carved display of flowers carved from the same block. An added plank covers the base. The head has a dowel stump , where a crest or possible crown may have been. The Eagle does not appear to have been outdoors. It may be from inside a church or courtouse. I do not think it was a bowsprit. The whole item has a gesso wiping with a yellow / ochre bole paint wiping. This base coat has a bleached ,aged ,worn crackled bronzey brown painted plaster /restored finish on the front ,yellowy on the rear. The bole may/would have been intended for gilding [ or painting ] though no gold leaf is definitely proveably visible. The rear shows shaped wrought iron reinforcement scraps. The straps are of considerable age and may have been added to strengthen visible cracks / weaknesses in the wings. I think the straps are about 150 years old with perhaps the restored plaster repairs perhaps around 100 years old. The plaster front and feathers may replace original carved wooden feathers or may be additional trim.
Addendum .
Jupiter’s Eagle , Venetian , Napoloeonic , Roman Eagle ?
