Italian Devotional Plaque c.1780

A beautifully presented and carved Italian church or chapel plaque. c.1780
Engraved with the legend “HIC DEVM ADORA”, translating to: “Adore God Here”.
Skilfully carved this gesso gilded and polychromed religious panel gave instruction to the faithful, but is also a delightful work of art in its own right.
Worth noting are the expressive swags and flags and the laurel motif surmounting the text. Also, the letters ‘A’ of ‘ADORA’ are expertly carved over the boundaries of the plaque as if the words themselves are alive and ethereal!