Courting Couple Plaque Appraisal

Rococo Style Courting Couple Relief Plaque

This is a decorative wall plaque featuring a three-dimensional relief of a courting couple in what appears to be an 18th-century, possibly Rococo, garden setting. The plaque is primarily monochromatic in a light, antique ivory or beige color, suggesting it's made from a cast resin, plaster, or a similar composite material designed to mimic carved ivory or stone. Its dimensions appear to be approximately 12-18 inches in height and width, with an irregular, ornate, scrolled border that frames the central scene. The male figure is depicted on the left, holding what might be a small musical instrument or a letter, dressed in period attire with a powdered wig, ruffled shirt, and breeches. The female figure on the right is elegantly attired in a wide-skirted gown and a bonnet, holding flowers or a basket. The background features shallow relief elements suggesting foliage and architectural details, consistent with a garden scene. The craftsmanship indicates it was likely mass-produced, possibly molded, with decent attention to detail in the figures' drapery and facial features. There is a noticeable vertical crack extending from the top edge down towards the male figure's head, indicating either damage from an impact or a material flaw. Some areas also show slight discoloration or dirt accumulation in the crevices, consistent with age and display. The overall aesthetic points to an item from the mid-to-late 20th century, seeking to evoke a classical or romanticized historical period.