Henri-Honoré Plé

In his depiction of an Arab warrior, Plé recreates, in parcel gilt and silver, the damascening technique long used by Middle Eastern weapon makers.  The art of decorating iron, steel, or bronze with inlaid threads of gold and silver, damascening allowed for the intricate decoration of swords, spears and shields—making for weapons as beautiful as they were deadly.  Plé’s attention to sculptural detail has long been recognized and is further evidenced in the careful observation of this figure’s skin texture, costuming, and fierce stance.