This is a large patinated copper relief shield plaque made in the late 19th Century by Elkington and Company. The original shield was designed by Leonard Morel-Laudeuil in 1866 for the 200th anniversary of Milton’s Paradise Lost as an example of their beautiful design work to be entered in the Paris Exposition in 1867. The ‘Milton Shield’ won first prize in the competition. There are many forms of this shield, with most being silver-plate over copper. This particular one has a patination to give it a bronze tone over copper and is quite beautiful in its detail and craftsmanship.

The top center of the shield shows God overseeing all. The central portion, most prominent in relief features the Archangel Gabriel telling Adam and Eve about the war in heaven between God and Satan. The lower central portion shows St. Michael overcoming the Satan and sending him to Hell. On the left side is a depiction of the angels in heaven and the right side a depiction of the lost souls in hell.

The shield measures 33 3/4” high and is 25 3/4” wide and has a hanger on the back to allow it to be hung on the wall. It is in overall very good antique condition and may have slight scuffs or wear, but is a beautiful example of this work.

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