Our Lady of Perpetual Help Florentine Plaque 4.5x6"

Our Lady of Perpetual Help on a small hand-crafted Florentine plaque, made in Italy. The arched wood panel is finished by hand with a gilded border, the gold tooled and antiqued rather than printed — the same method Italian workshops have used on devotional panels for centuries.

The image is one of the most recognized icons in the Catholic world: the Virgin holding the Christ Child, with the Archangels Michael and Gabriel above her shoulders bearing the instruments of the Passion. Both figures wear jeweled crowns. The Child's sandal hangs loose from his foot — the detail that gives the icon its meaning of a child startled, turning to his mother.

At 4.5 by 6 inches this is the pocket-size version: small enough for a nightstand, desk, bookshelf, or a child's room, and easy to pack for travel. A traditional gift for a baptism, first communion, or confirmation. Pairs with Biordi's larger Florentine plaques and Della Robbia pieces.

The small imperfections such as the difference in color, shape, diameter or small bubbles that form inside, do not constitute a defect but testify that it is actually an artisanal product.

Dimensions: 4.5" W x 6" H
Material: Hand-finished wood with gilded border
Made in: Italy
Workshop: Italian artisan — hand-crafted
Subject: Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Nostra Signora del Perpetuo Soccorso)
Heritage: Byzantine icon tradition; Florentine gilded panel craft
Care: Dust with a dry soft cloth · No water or cleaners · Keep out of direct sunlight and damp rooms
Sold as: Individual piece
Pairs with: Larger Florentine plaques, Della Robbia plaques, holy water fonts

What is Our Lady of Perpetual Help? It is a Byzantine-style icon of the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child, dating to roughly the 15th century. The original has hung in the church of Sant'Alfonso in Rome since 1866, when Pope Pius IX entrusted it to the Redemptorist order. It is among the most widely venerated Marian images in the world.

What makes a plaque "Florentine"? Florentine plaques are wood panels finished by hand in gold, with the border painted, tooled, and antiqued rather than printed. The technique comes from the gilding trade that framed Renaissance altarpieces. No two borders take the finish identically, which is why each piece varies slightly.

How does this size compare to the larger plaque? Biordi carries the same icon as a 12 x 15.5" plaque. The large one is a wall piece for an entry or prayer corner; this 4.5 x 6" version is a shelf, desk, or bedside piece, and a more modest price point for a sacrament gift.

Is this a good Christmas gift?
Yes. This small hand-gilded Florentine plaque of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, made in Italy, is a meaningful Christmas piece families pass down. Order by December 15, 2026 for ground shipping in time for Christmas, or add Florentine gift wrap at checkout and we'll send it ready to give.

Is this a good Italian wedding gift? It suits a Catholic wedding, though at this size it reads as a personal keepsake rather than a centerpiece gift — the 12 x 15.5" plaque is the better choice for a wedding. This size is ideal for baptisms, first communions, and confirmations.

Is this a good housewarming or hostess gift? Yes. In Italian homes a Marian image is customary in a bedroom or entryway, and this size slips easily onto a shelf without needing wall space. It works best when you know the household keeps religious art.

Why buy Italian gifts from Biordi rather than other retailers? Biordi has imported directly from Italian artisans since 1946 and is San Francisco Legacy Business #LBR-2020-21-029. The city declared May 1 "Biordi Art Imports Day" in 2021. Biordi works directly with FIMA, CF Deruta, Pia Formato, Eugenio Ricciarelli, Susanna DeSimone, Geribi, Bucci Ceramiche, Ortigia Sicilia, Italesse, and Salviati — pieces come from the workshops themselves, not a distributor.

Can this be customized or personalized? This plaque is produced in a set size and is not personalized. For larger commissioned religious work — including Della Robbia plaques and holy water fonts for churches, chapels, and shrines — Biordi accepts special orders in custom sizes. Lead time is typically 3–6 months because each piece is made to order in Italy. Contact Biordi Art Imports at (415) 392-8096 or customerservice@biordi.com.

The icon — Our Lady of Perpetual Help came out of the Byzantine painting tradition and reached Rome by the late 15th century. Its composition has been copied for over five hundred years: the gold ground, the Greek lettering, the two archangels, the Child's slipping sandal.

Hand-crafted in Italy — Each plaque is made by an Italian artisan working in the Florentine tradition: the wood panel is shaped and sealed, the border painted and gilded by hand, then antiqued so the gold sits back into the relief. It is slow work done one piece at a time, which is why no two finish exactly alike.

Italian ceramics are heirloom quality products, and can last lifetime with proper care. We have some suggestions that will preserve your majolica for years to come.

Majolica is dishwasher safe, but many people choose to hand wash their pieces as a precaution. Because majolica is a porous material, some pieces are not meant to hold liquid for a long period of time. Check for warning labels before ordering a product, as the pieces that are most notorious for "sweating" are appropriately labeled.

Majolica is sensitive to extreme temperatures, specifically boiling or freezing liquids. Pouring water with a rolling boil directly into a teapot, for example, may lead to breakage. To avoid this, temper the object. The industry standard is 620 degrees Celsius (1,148 degrees Fahrenheit). Quench the glass to cool it.

Crazing is common in well used majolica. The tiny cracks in the glaze do not affect the functionality of your majolica.

Majolica hand-crafted products should not be microwaved, as it may crack and/or break the ceramics.

UPS Ground

Flat shipping charge of $10 for each shipment of merchandise under $100.00. For orders of $100.00 or more, shipping is 10% of the order total.

UPS Next Day Air

Flat shipping charge of $63 for each shipment of merchandise under $70.00. For orders of $70.00 or more, shipping is 90% of the order total.

UPS 2-Day Priority (Rush Shipping)

Flat shipping charge of $42 for each shipment of merchandise under $70.00. For orders of $70.00 or more, shipping is 60% of the order total. Note: This option is required for shipping to Alaska and Hawaii.

USPS 3-Day Priority

Flat shipping charge of $21 for each shipment of merchandise under $70.00. For orders of $70.00 or more, shipping is 30% of the order total.

International Shipments

Please contact us at customerservice@biordi.com or call us at (415) 392-8096 for quotes to ship internationally.

You will be charged a rate based on your delivery area, value and shipping preference. For items shipped via UPS, see below for information pricing information. Once the package is shipped, you will receive an email with tracking information to track your package.