About this piece
back to topA 19th century French armorial coat of arms dated to circa 1850.
Hand carved onto oak boards, this polychrome and gilt panel incorporates various heraldic elements.
Typically referred to as a licorne forcene, rampant unicorns appear in French heraldry as a symbol of purity, strength, and nobility, particularly in the arms of certain noble families.
The mythical creatures stand atop symmetrical hills, holding a shield in the centre. The shield shows a unicorn on a blue background beneath three six point stars. The shield is topped with a golden helm with scrollwork flowing outward from behind.
