Milanese Bronze Wall Sculpture Castello Sforzesco With Sforza–Visconti Heraldry

19th-Century Milanese Bronze Plaque by Porta Ravizza & Co., Depicting Castello Sforzesco with Sforza–Visconti Heraldry in Tiger Oak Frame
Rewritten Description (No Emojis)
Porta Ravizza & Co., Milan — Circa 1891
A distinguished late-19th-century Italian bronze plaque cast by the noted Milanese foundry Porta Ravizza & Co., produced during the celebrated restoration of Castello Sforzesco. Modelled in an impressive 4 cm high relief, the plaque combines architectural accuracy with a sophisticated Renaissance Revival heraldic programme.
Retained in its original tiger-oak frame, this work exemplifies the fin-de-siècle reengagement with Milan’s quattrocento identity and civic heritage.
Inscribed Motto (upper field): POST FATA RESURGO — “After death, I rise again.”
Relief Dates:
MDCCCLXIII (1863) — transfer of the castle to the Municipality of Milan
MDCCCXCIV (1894) — apex of the restoration campaign
Dimensions
Framed: 36.5 cm (W) × 27 cm (H)
Relief depth: 4 cm
Frame: Period tiger oak, structurally sound, newly wired for display
Heraldic Programme: Sforza–Visconti Arms
The composition features the unified ducal arms adopted following the Sforza accession:
1st & 4th Quarters — Visconti Biscione:
The iconic serpent devouring or giving birth to a human figure, Milan’s ancient dynastic emblem.
2nd & 3rd Quarters — Sforza Beast:
A lion–griffin hybrid symbolizing Sforza sovereignty, military authority, and courtly governance.
This quartered scheme commemorates the union of Francesco Sforza and Bianca Maria Visconti, marking the consolidation of Milanese dominion in the 15th century.
Portrait Medallions
The lower-right field presents two medallic portraits rendered in quattrocento idiom:
Francesco I Sforza — Architect of the restored ducal state and instigator of major civic works.
Galeazzo Maria Sforza — Patron of Renaissance culture at Castello Sforzesco.
Castello Sforzesco: Historical Context
For six centuries the castle served as residence, court, or stronghold for successive ruling powers:
Visconti, Sforza, French Valois, Spanish Habsburgs, Austrian administrators, and Napoleonic authorities.
The plaque’s heraldic and architectural programme reflects this unbroken chain of political and cultural influence.
Artistic and Foundry Detail
Radiant sunburst motif symbolizing civic renewal
Renaissance Revival trophies, banners, and decorative elements
Precise architectural depiction of Castello Sforzesco
Foundry signature: PORTA RAVIZZA & CO., confirming Milanese origin and quality craftsmanship
Provenance
Private Milanese family collection (held by descent), associated with artistic and civic circles of the restoration period
Subsequently with an established Eastern Shire antiques dealer specialising in Continental bronzes
Catalogued and stylistically verified by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
Exhibited in the Famous Lord Hill Museum Autumn Exhibition, within a curatorial theme on Italian Renaissance Revival metalwork
Condition
Bronze: Good original patina intact; crisp modelling with no cracks or structural concerns.
Frame: Period tiger oak, warm-toned and robust; recently fitted with a new hanging wire.
Shipping
Worldwide shipping available. Professionally packed and fully insured.