Antique Heraldic Shields From Sacré Coeur, Paris – a Pair

Rare Antique Handpainted Paperboard and Linen Heraldic Shields From Sacré Coeur, Paris – a Pair

Each shield is 24″W x .125″ D x 31″H
They hang approximately 7″ from the wall.

These antique French heraldic shields are made of heavy paperboard backed in thin, red linen. Each shield is hand-painted, faded and worn around the edges in all the right ways. There are two fabric covered metal loops on each side to allow for hanging with floating line, string, ribbon or chain. Humidity and time have caused them to curve and bow in such a cool way. Once hung, the top crest sits about 7″ from the wall and the bottom is flush. They would also look incredible in shadow box frames.

These shields were originally part of a set of 6. I sold the other four shields (all different, in muted blues, greens and silver) in a gallery show years ago, but I kept the two Sacré Coeur reds for myself. I rarely regret parting with any of the pieces I find. The world is full of amazing things and the search is part of the fun! But I do sometimes think about the other four, which had unusual & intricate symbols I didn’t understand then or now. These pieces speak to me, and being made of paperboard & linen, it’s a miracle they have survived 100-125 years.