Large cast bronze medal portrait by David d’Angers, 1843, of Honore de Balzac.  He was a  French novelist, writer of Le Pere Goriot, Le Lys dans la Vallee etc. comparable in stature and popularity to Dickens. No founder’s mark on reverse but fine cast in high relief, lovely dark almost black patina – always difficult to judge but think casting dates to mid 19th century not later. 180mm. diameter.