A North Italian Door Knocker

In the Renaissance manner of Giulio Romano Italy, 19th century The cast brass backplate formed as a grotesque mask, the ring knocker clasped at the mouth. The upper edge with a scratched 'IIIX'

Giulio Pippi (Rome 1499-1546 Mantua), known as Giulio Romano was a prolific artist and designer.

The V&A hold a collection of 24 engraved plates - attributed to the Monogrammist IHS and René Boyvin - which could have formed the inspiration for such a knocker.