{"product_id":"antique-painted-musical-society-sign-from-marseille-circa-1910-251-2-x-193-4","title":"Antique Painted Musical Society Sign From Marseille, circa 1910 - 25½\" x 19¾\"","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eAn unusual French painted zinc sign, likely dating from around 1910, made for La Lyre Belle de Mai, an amateur musical society founded in Marseille in 1909. The slightly convex plaque has a shield-like form with clipped corners and a rolled edge, and is hand-painted with the society’s name, a central golden lyre, and the inscription “Fondée en 1909 – Marseille.” The faded green-gray ground, softened lettering, oxidation, and scattered paint losses give the surface a wonderfully atmospheric quality. There are a few dents to the rolled border, while three metal bars at the back provide the original means of hanging the sign.  \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\nAt the turn of the 20th century, amateur musical societies were an important part of neighborhood life in French cities, bringing together local musicians for concerts, celebrations, and civic events. The lyre offered an immediately recognizable emblem for these groups. Here, the arched lettering, scrolling flourishes, and golden instrument retain a distinctly Belle Époque spirit, while the hand-painted execution and reference to Marseille’s Belle de Mai district give the sign a strong sense of local identity.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\nThe faded verdigris ground and weathered surface lend the sign an atmospheric, nostalgic character, while the elegant period lettering and central lyre give the composition its distinctive graphic strength. It would bring depth and personality to a living room or music room, while its shield-like shape and period lettering would make it a strong anchor within a layered gallery wall along a staircase.   \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eCondition and patina consistent with age.\u003cbr\u003eApprox. overall 25½\" high x 19¾\" wide x 1½\" deep  \u003cbr\u003eApprox. overall 65cm high x 50cm wide x 4cm deep \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chez Pluie","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54244585931090,"sku":"25169","price":1895.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1166\/6698\/files\/DSC03892_c0ba7b5d-d2c9-482b-82fb-5d09fe03b3f5.jpg?v=1786599492","url":"https:\/\/www.chezpluie.com\/products\/antique-painted-musical-society-sign-from-marseille-circa-1910-251-2-x-193-4","provider":"Chez Pluie","version":"1.0","type":"link"}