Rococo Brass Wall Medallion with Portrait Miniature — Lyre, Ribbon & Acanthus Frame
Categories:
Design & Inspiration
Few decorative objects capture the spirit of the French Rococo court quite like a gilded portrait medallion suspended in mid-air by an elaborate cascade of cast ornament. This wall piece evokes the intimate boudoir galleries of Versailles and the Hôtel de Soubise, where miniature portraits of noble ladies were framed in extravagant ormolu mounts and hung with silk ribbon. At its centre rests a circular porcelain-faced portrait miniature — a delicate, timeless image of a 18th-century noblewoman — cradled within an explosion of hand-cast brass: unfurling acanthus leaves, a lyre crest, billowing ribbon bows, and feathered foliate sprays that radiate with the restless, asymmetric energy so characteristic of Louis XV-era ornamentation.
Materials & Craftsmanship
Every element of this medallion is individually cast in solid brass using the lost-wax (cire perdue) method, preserving the finest surface detail of each acanthus curl, ribbon fold, and lyre string. The casting is then hand-chased and finished to bring forward the high-relief depth that makes Rococo ornament so visually alive. The circular portrait insert is rendered on a porcelain ground, faithfully reproducing the soft tonality and warm palette of 18th-century French miniature portraiture. The brass surround is available in Gold, Antique Gold, and Silver finishes — each applied by hand — allowing the collector to match the warmth of gilt interiors or the cool clarity of silver-toned rooms.
Dimensions & Details
Weighing 4 kg, this medallion commands genuine visual presence on the wall without overwhelming its surroundings. The vertical portrait orientation and elongated silhouette — from the crested lyre bow at the crown to the trailing ribbon tails at the base — make it ideal as a singular focal point above a console table, fireplace mantel, or between two sconces in a formal reception or hallway. A concealed hanging bracket on the reverse allows for clean, flush wall mounting.
Handcrafted in Egypt
Produced in the Brass & Wood workshops in Egypt by artisans trained in classical European metalworking traditions, this medallion represents the finest in contemporary Egyptian craft. Each piece passes through multiple stages of hand-finishing — from raw casting to final polish — ensuring that no two pieces are entirely identical. This is not a machine-stamped reproduction; it is a genuine object of applied art, made slowly and with intention, in the tradition of the great French ébénistes and fondeurs-ciseleurs of the 18th century.
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials is this wall medallion made from?
The frame and all ornamental elements are cast in solid brass, hand-finished in your choice of Gold, Antique Gold, or Silver. The circular portrait insert is rendered on a porcelain ground, faithfully reproducing an 18th-century French miniature portrait.
Is any assembly required?
No assembly is required. The medallion arrives fully assembled and ready to hang, with a concealed mounting bracket integrated into the reverse of the piece.
Can this piece be customized?
Yes. Brass & Wood offers customization options including alternative brass finishes. Please contact our team to discuss your specific requirements prior to placing your order.
