Expert: Martin G Roberts - 7/19/2004

Question
Dear Sir,
I inherited two relief hanging plates in copper or brass, (after been clean they are yellow). They have peasent scenes, one is signed I or V Ostade and the other have an eligible signature and the letters L.P. Format: oval about 30cmx65cm
I tryed to find information on this kind of art and works, but I only found art nouveau.
I wonder if you could give some help trying to define what they are.

best regards,
Catarina Costa Macedo
Lisbon, Portugal

Answer
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Relief reproduction of a painting by Isaak Ostade, early 17th century Dutch painter who painted several 'peasant' scenes. But your pieces are modern, decorative, and of little value. If you love them, keep them. BTW, it was a bad idea to clean them - they are intended to be patinated.