16th Century Henri II Bench

This walnut chair stands on four square-section feet linked by four crossbars. The front spacer is carved as an intertwined branch. The backrest’s jambs are adorned with leaves motif...

In the beginning the table was a movable furniture with removable feet, easy to build and disassemble. Most of the 15th and 16th century tables are built following the Roman cartibula principles that is a plate standing on two large stands secured by a crossbar. The lengthy and elegant plate of this Italian Renaissance palace table...

Provenance : Jean Gismondi collection, before 1973. This important walnut jewelry chest is outlined with a gilt motif and presents a decor imitating basketry. The lid is topped by...

The monk is depicted with an oval face, marked with high and strong cheekbones, sunken cheeks, strong jawbones and a cleft chin. His almond shaped eyes are opened under very strong a...

Former collection Altounian At the beginning of the reign of Henri II (1547-1559) the furniture’s ornamentation evolves. The few medieval motifs that were still used are eventually relinquished. Furniture becomes more sober showcasing moulded panels and perfect architecture. Cabinet-makers use ornaments such as curved fluted or plain columns, feather quills, roses or winged putti heads. High-relief carving becomes more scarce and compositions lighter. To that end cabinet-makers draw inspiration from Fontainebleau motifs filtering them and adapting them to French taste. During this period cabinet-makers turn into a kind of architects. Indeed the architectural balance of furniture is the centre of their concerns. The study of Antic formulas is then a necessity. From this care given to proportions appear refined cabinets with pure lines. This style is characteristic of the reign of Henri II and disappears soon after under the regency of Catherine de Medici (1560-1574) when an abundance of high and low-relief ornaments comes back on furnitures. This two-bodies cabinet...

Rare carved Renaissance cabinet Period : 2nd half 16th century, ca. 1570 Origin : France, Burgundy or Languedoc This cabinet embody the produ...

Unique, decorative, charming bench, front and back panels with intricate and whimsical “flachschnitz” decoration, plain sides, lift top seat to reveal storage space. A very rare exa...

This French bench is made of oak, richly carved around the base with it original fabric. Under the seat, there is a storage space. It is very nice against the wall.

19th century carved walnut bench from France with a newly upholstered seat in linen and finished with welted decoration. The upholstered seat is scalloped and is enclosed in a molded...

Early 20th century French bench trunk.

Bench rare European carvings 18th century rare Europe. A very rare bench made during 18th century in Europe. A few parts have been restored.  

Typical stool with backrest and curved legs in solid walnut wood with dark patina. This type of bench is used in guard posts, for this reason the seat is small and uncomfortable, to ...