Rocco Antiques

Description

Heavily worn hand carved oak & plaster plaque in wooden frame bearing a rare side profile of Scotland's most revered bard, Robert Burns (1759-1796). Affectionally known as Rabbie Burns, he rose from humble beginnings to become a national poet and lyricist that captured in his works the Scottish culture and identity.

The centre of this historic piece is dominated by a large side-on relief framed by a medallion with the lettering 'Robert Burns 1759-1796'. The four corners inside the square wooden frame are decorated with four symbols linked to the famous poet. The thistle representing his Scottish ancestry, the rose and winged bird likely refer to his great love for flowers and bird life. In the right corner is a small mouse, a lovely reference to Robert Burns's most famous poem 'To A Mouse'.

The curators from the National Trust of Scotland and National Museums Scotland were extremely helpful with our research. It transpired that this is in fact a wood and plaster cast made for the production of a metal plaque. Most likely made as a commemoration piece, it dates from around 1896, 100 years after the death of Robert Burns. The cast iron plaque that was made from the sand imprint of our item is now in the collection of the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum (Object 2018.3944). Similar plaques are often found fixed onto buildings or memorials, similar to the long lost relief now returned to the Dalkeith Burns Monument.

Manufacturer: Unknown
Place Of Origin: Scotland
Material: Wood, Plaster, Metal
Manufacturer Marks Inscriptions: No
Period: End 19th Century, circa 1896
Provenance: No