Historic Milanese 19th-Century Italian Bronze Plaque – Porta Ravizza & Co. – Castello Sforzesco, Milan – High Relief – Sforza & Visconti Heraldry – Tiger Oak Frame Exceptional 19th-Century Italian Bronze Plaque in Tiger Oak Frame Porta Ravizza & Co., Milan — Circa 1891 A finely executed late-19th-century Milanese bronze plaque cast by the notable workshop Porta Ravizza & Co., produced in recognition of the major restoration of Castello Sforzesco. Modelled in an impressive 4 cm high relief, the work demonstrates authoritative architectural rendering and a richly articulated Renaissance Revival iconographic programme. Still housed in its original tiger oak frame, the piece exemplifies Milan’s fin-de-siècle reclamation of its quattrocento artistic identity. Inscribed Motto (upper field): POST FATA RESURGO — “After death, I rise again” Dates in relief: MDCCCLXIII (1863): Transfer of Castello Sforzesco to the Municipality of Milan MDCCCXCIV (1894): Height of the restoration campaign Dimensions Framed: 36.5 cm (W) × 27 cm (H) Relief depth: 4 cm Frame: Period tiger oak, warm-toned, structurally sound, newly wired for display Sforza–Visconti Heraldry The bronze incorporates the unified ducal arms of Milan established following the Sforza succession: 1st & 4th Quarters — Visconti Biscione The serpent consuming or delivering a human figure, the longstanding emblem of Milan’s dynastic identity. 2nd & 3rd Quarters — Sforza Beast A lion–griffin hybrid symbolising military dominion and ducal authority. This quartered armorial configuration references the union of Francesco Sforza and Bianca Maria Visconti and the consolidation of Milanese power in the 15th century. Portrait Medallions — Sforza Archetypes The lower-right field contains medallic portraits rendered in the idiom of quattrocento cast medals: Francesco I Sforza — Architect of the modern ducal state and principal restorer of civic power Galeazzo Maria Sforza — Promoter of the Renaissance court culture centred within the castle Castello Sforzesco — Historical and Artistic Context For more than six centuries, Castello Sforzesco served as the residence, court, or military command for successive ruling regimes, including: The Visconti The Sforza (patrons of Leonardo da Vinci and Bramante) French Valois monarchs Spanish Habsburgs Austrian administrators Napoleonic authorities The plaque’s heraldic and architectural schema reflects this continuous lineage of power and stewardship. Artistic Programme & Foundry Work Sunburst motif signifying civic renewal Renaissance Revival trophies, standards, and ornamental elements Detailed architectural depiction of Castello Sforzesco Signed “PORTA RAVIZZA & CO.” confirming Milanese foundry origin and period authenticity Provenance Milanese Family Collection (by direct descent), associated with civic and artistic circles during the restoration era Eastern Shire Antiques (United Kingdom), specialising in Continental bronzes and Italian Revival decorative arts Catalogued and formally assessed by Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd., confirming attribution and context Privately Loaned & Exhibited in the Famous Lord Hill Museum Autumn Exhibition, within their focus on Renaissance Revival Italian metalwork