Large bronze dish. Capture of Afrika by Charles V. Electroplating 19th

Bronze replica of the famous silver dish (or basin) of the Louvre, illustrating the capture of Afrika (current Tunis) by the troops of Charles Quint. In the upper part a cartouche indicates the place of the battle. This is a work of excellent quality obtained by electroplating. The grain of the very fine metal, the precise details, the rework and reinforcements of welds and the excellent century-old patina make us think of a production from the period of Napoleon III. It takes a careful examination with a magnifying glass to know that it is an electroplating and not a cast bronze. It is likely that there was significant finishing work because this excellent result could not have been obtained without the use of chisels and scrapers. The scenes depicted are interesting historical testimonies, clothing, weapons, vessels and combat techniques. In the lower part, the Emperor is depicted on horseback, his captains bring him the heads of the defeated Ottomans, as well as the captured enemy leaders. If most of the flags bear the imperial eagle, some display the Virgin Mary or Christ on the cross. The Ottoman cavalry bows use the ancestral method of their Mongol ancestors by pulling backwards. The presence of dromedaries is interesting. For so much historical precision it is likely that the designer was present during the fighting. This dish is a feast for the eyes and the hand. Probably French work around 1850. Copper or bronze. Diameter 625mm thickness 30mm.