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Sicilian cart ornament called "Chiave di Carretto*" in polychrome carved wood, representing a chivalrous scene of two men in armor fighting in a wooded landscape, one piercing the other with his sword, episode of the Italian medieval novel Fioravante e Rizzeri , from Italy - Sicily, vintage 19th century.
This sculpture is in good condition, good quality.
Note: some restored parts (see red arrows), some slight accidents and gaps in the polychromy, wear and tear, see photos.
* This element, which contained the axis of the wheel, was carved in the central part and represented scenes which took on a symbolic value, of a sacred or chivalrous nature. In western Sicily, “lace” was carved with figures of a religious nature (such as Saint George killing the dragon, the holy family); while, in eastern Sicily, "a cascia" was generally carved with mythological and chivalrous subjects and auspicious or superstitious phrases; sometimes the name of the craftsman and the city of origin are engraved there. A recurring motif is that of the chivalric theme, which over time replaced the thematic choices of a magico-religious order, and which expressed, through the iconographic repertoire, the stories of the Carolingian cycle. The adoption of these epic-story subjects coincides with the artistic development of the cart painters' workshops.
