Extra heavy and extra deep, this pair of 19th century Swiss Black Forest game plaques are 4" in bas relief depth with a carved oval self-frame that is also deep at over 2". The hare and grouse are just about life size within the 25" x 16" oval and each survives without much, if any, loss. Hung with a bow on a carved nail and against carved oak leaves, they make the prayerful statement of gratitude which underlies this art form and genre. They're not hunter plaques, really - initially they were carved in the "Nature Morte", or still life manner popular for kitchen decor, which primarily tells the story of thankfulness for the bounty of the day's harvest and food for the family table. This set is unusual in depth, and also seemingly in a deep frame which is part of the carving, trim of evenly placed half-round gadroon trim. Fabulous for Country French, or cabin, lodge or just a kitchen or dining area with an eye for antiques.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, I can see a few chips of little consequence to the forms of the animal and bird. These are very heavy - a good deal more than the typical Black Forest plaques from same era. A heavier old forest growth wood likely accounts for the weight, but also the sizable carved outer 'frame'. The pair were found in France and while they'd been hung with a wall nail (note recess up top on back), for a sturdy display you will want to decide on hardware or secure hanging wire for each. The plaque with grouse has a couple of shrinkage cracks in the wood, top, and one can see where the boards were bonded there toward the bottom, as well. It looks like a chip of tie ribbon there on the leg from which it hangs. Likewise, you can see a little separation in the original joint of the boards of the hare, top and bottom, but both plaques are very sturdy and solid, and that does not represent breaks so much as age. Beautiful on the wall in display.
