A Gilded and Patinated Bronze Relief within a Carved Marble Frame

Depicting Venus persuading Vulcan to forge arms for her son Aeneas.

The god of fire is presenting a shield to his unfaithful wife, which bears the coat of arms of the Antin family (« d’argent, au chevron de gueules, accompagné de sept merlettes de même ». The most famous member of this old family is Louis-Marie-Augustin duc d’Aumont, premier gentilhomme de la chambre who directed the Menus Plaisirs for Louis XV, and set up a workshop to cut and polish precious marbles in 1770. His famous collection of mounted porcelains, pietre dure and lacquers was sold when he died in 1782 in his Parisian hôtel located place Louis XV, now Hôtel Crillon. The richest pieces were chiselled by Gouthière and the most distinguished collectors bought richly decorated vases and columns, among them were Louis XVI for the Museum and Marie-Antoinette for her personal use.

The plaque is mentioned neither in the inventory after Aumont’s death, nor in the sale catalogue. The military and the gift themes could suggest that it was presented to duc d’Aumont’s son, or grand son, both officers.