Antique WWI French Commemorative Bronze Plaque – "La Vierge Martyre d'Albert" by Albert Roze (Cast by Barbedienne)

For sale is an exceptional and highly sought-after World War I French commemorative bronze relief plaque. Beautifully presentation-mounted within its original 14 cm x 14 cm burr wood frame, this historic piece is rich in artistic merit and wartime folklore.

Design & Historical Importance: Designed by the renowned French sculptor Albert Roze, this powerful relief depicts the "Leaning Virgin" (Notre-Dame de Brebières) in Albert, France. In 1915, a German artillery shell struck the basilica's dome, tilting the gilded statue of the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus horizontally. Suspended high above the battlefield, it gave rise to the famous wartime myth among soldiers: whichever side caused the statue to finally fall would lose the war.

Exceptional Features & Provenance: Barbedienne Foundry Mark: Hand-stamped with the highly collectible "BARBEDIENNE" foundry mark along the lower right border of the bronze.  Artist Signature: Signed "Alb. Roze" on the lower-left corner.

Original Handwritten Label: The back of the item features a remarkable, contemporary handwritten ink note detailing the myth. It reads: "Statue of Virgin on Cathedral knocked to this position by German bombardment. It was said that if it fell the Germans would win. It didn't."

Dimensions: The outer burr wood frame measures 14 cm x 14 cm.

Versatile Display: The back of the frame is equipped with both its original easel fold-out stand for tabletop display and a small metal loop ring for hanging on a wall.

Condition: Good antique condition. The bronze relief boasts a stunning golden-brown patina. The burr wood display frame shows beautiful natural graining and fine age surface cracks. There is a small historic chip to the wood veneer on the lower right edge of the frame border (clearly highlighted in the final close-up photo). It remains entirely stable and looks excellent on display. This is a museum-quality piece of trench-era history and premium French metalwork, perfect for advanced militaria or fine art collectors.

Please view all photos carefully as they form part of the description.

Thanks for looking!