Every now and then we come across something really special at Architectural Classics. We have been lucky enough to come across this gorgeous stylised bronze knocker, dated from around the 16th century and made with many traditional elements. A woman’s head holds up the huge and heavy knocking arm, which consists of two putti, displaying a shield with fleur de lys. The shape of the entire knocker resembles the classical fleur de lys. The knocker has not been cleaned up, touched up, polished or restored with us, so you can see all of its antique charm and chronicles. There is no chance of the beauty of this knocker being missed by unobservant guests, either – the entire piece is a foot high and around 7 ½ inches wide. Although it is so special, you’d no doubt want it somewhere more secure than your front door!

The knocker incorporates many classical elements in a blend of art, superstition and an unidentified homage. The putti which hold up the shield are traditional characters, which became prevalent in Italian renaissance art. They have been found on articles dating back to the second century AD, though – they used to decorate the coffins of children. On these media the putti would be seen doing normal human activities – playing, fighting, playing sports and engaged in religious rites. You can understand their parents would want to imagine them somewhere, growing up, playing games, and enjoying ‘normal’ activities … The putti as a symbol and motif was revived by Donatello in the 1400s. They are associated with many different things, according to the context they appear in. They can represent romantic love, and the goddess Aphrodite; they can represent Heaven; or they can simply be associated with peace, happiness, leisure and enjoyment.The putti hold up a shield – many larger or wealthier families centuries ago had their own coat of arms, which could be inscribed on a shield. This knocker may have been made for an indefinite customer, and no coat of arms was ever engraved on it. The shield, even blank, can simply represent protection for the home – the knocker would, after all, be at the front of the house, from which any dangers might enter.

The shield does have fleur de lys on it, a classical symbol which has endured in many places and forms since its unclear origins. It is supposed to be a stylised representation of an iris flower, and as the sound of the name suggests, it is usually associated with France and the French monarchy. The fleur de lys symbol can be seen in American areas that were mainly French settlements, like Louisiana and Quebec. But more generally, it is used as a religious symbol to represent the Father, Son and Holy Spirit of the Christian tradition. The archangel Gabriel and the Virgin Mary may also be represented by the fleur de lys.

It is a beautiful and powerful combination of symbols and signs, for a beautifully made and sized knocker. Have a look and enjoy!

          

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