Listed by > Shift 2 Thrift Vintage < Listing 016-June-2026
Description: MCM 3D structural relief wall plaques manufactured by the renowned Italian artisans Fontanini / Déposé Italy.
This rare, sequential courting set features a masterfully hand-painted 18th-century Baroque/Rococo aristocratic gentleman and his matching noble lady companion. The figures are meticulously cast from a premium, high-density polymer resin substrate, boasting incredible architectural depth that creates a striking three-dimensional relief effect against their backgrounds.
Each figure is elegantly mounted onto a rich, golden-ochre crushed velvet textile backing that beautifully catches the light. This vibrant textile centre is encased in an incredibly ornate, heavy faux-wood scrollwork rocaille frame moulded with traditional European volutes and acanthus leaf details. This curated set perfectly channels the opulent Hollywood Regency, Grandmillennial, and Maximalist interior styling trends popular among high-end designers today.
Both pieces feature their original, vibrant hand-painted colour palettesshowcasing deep teal-green coats, muted coral tones, and fine golden highlight detailing. The flat total width across the widest scrollwork accents of the decorative outer frame scales perfectly at 26 cm. Unlike common flat wall decor, these relief plaques project outward, casting beautiful soft shadows that change depending on the room's ambient lighting. The reverse sides are stamped with the prestigious, authentic moulded hallmarks confirming their historical provenance and design registration numbers.
Did you know that the Fontanini company was founded in 1908 in Bagni di Lucca, Tuscany, a region globally celebrated for its master form-makers and sculptors? While famously known worldwide for their exquisite heirloom nativity figures, Fontanini expanded into high-end structural home decor during the 1950s and 1960s under the "Déposé" mark (which means 'registered design' in French/Italian legal terms). These specific mid-century plaques feature Fontanini's iconic, highly sought-after "Spider" hallmark on the rear chassis. Finding a sequentially matching couple with completely unfaded velvet backings is becoming increasingly difficult, making this an exceptional investment set for serious vintage dealers and collectors.
Original Intended Use: Premium decorative relief art panels for mid-century European salon styling.
Alternate Suggested Use: A spectacular, high-contrast focal pairing flanking a luxury gilded entryway mirror, styled within a moody Dark Academia gallery wall, or adding old-world character to an upscale dressing room or formal library.
Made in Italy, Circa 1960s-1970s.
Condition: Vintage condition with structural restoration required.
Visible Flaws: Minor age-related wear. The front presentations are magnificentthe hand-painted figures are perfectly intact and the golden velvet fields show zero fading or bleed-through. On the reverse side, one plaque exhibits vintage localized water staining marks on the flat hardboard/Masonite backing panel. Crucially, one of the ornate frames has a clean structural break/split through the bottom moulding rim segment (clearly visible near the copyright stamp area in the final close-up photo) which requires a simple gluing repair to stabilize the chassis. This is an honest vintage cosmetic issue that does not compromise the face presentation when hung flush against a wall but is explicitly documented for the buyer.
Please view images for full condition, images from part of the description. I do not accept returns, and I do not offer Refunds, I clearly list flaws, as a buyer you are open to ask questions and you must ensure you have viewed the full condition of the item, before you purchase it. Photos are enlarged and lighting is enhanced to provide the best view of the listed item. Use of a ruler is recommended to familiarize yourself with the size. Your purchase is your confirmation that you agree with the condition and size of the item.
Approximate Dimensions: Height 35 cm, Length 26 cm, Width 2 cm.
Price: R1,250.00 (For the matching pair).
I have a similar listing that may be viewed by searching for it @ Listing 113-August-2025. Description: A Pair of Vintage Italian Velvet Trestles with Pewter Plaques, one of a Gentleman, and the other of a Lady. They would be beautiful for a small coffee shop / restaurant with separate bathrooms.
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