Milton’s Paradise Lost Cameo Shield By Morel - Ladeuil
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:2846556 | Country/Region of Manufacture: United States |
In great unchipped condition, a composite agate representation of the "Milton" shield first rendered by Leonard Morel Ladeuil for Elkington's exhibit at the Paris Exhibition of 1867.The theme of the shield celebrates the work the poet John Milton (1608-1674). The panels represent scenes from Milton's epic poem Paradise Lost.The central panel depicts the Archangel Raphael telling Adam and Eve of the 'war in heaven', when the Archangel Lucifer rebelled against God and was expelled from h...eaven by the Archangel Michael (the defeat of the rebel angels, as seen on the sides). Below, the Angel Michael subduing Satan, Sin, and Death.The shield depicts the fourth and fifth books of John Milton's epic poem Paradise Lost (1667) and was made for the 200th anniversary of the work.This version is a cameo relief composition agate and measures 32 3/4" tall, 25" wide and approximately 2 1/2" deep.On the front faintly, signature at lower left, 'Morel Ladeuil Fecit 1866' and at lower right , 'Elkington & Co.'.The shield was copied in the late 19th and early 20th century. For a contemporary example see the P.P. Caproni and Brother Catalog of 1909, p. 77.Most common are silver plated versions, especially of the central image of Adam and Eve.Note there are other similar plaques on EBAY.I purchased this wall plaque at an antique shop in Long Grove, Illinois over 30 years ago. This motif no longer compliments my décor so I am passing it along.Happy to answer any questions!
