Le Louvre French Antiques Furniture
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Item type: Antique and Vintage
Antique French Terra Cotta Bust from Dinard, Dated 1912
Located in Dallas, TX
This terra cotta bust of a monsignor from Dinard, France is signed by the artist with the accompanying date of 1912. An engraving under the left shoulder indicates that the bust was a gift to a Monsignor Blanchet, a well-respected parish priest of Dinard. Msgr Blanchet is depicted wearing a four peak...
Category
Vintage 1910s French Busts
Materials
Terracotta
Pair of Early 1900’s Cobalt Blue and White Cylinder form Vases from Holland
Located in Dallas, TX
Inspired by the Delftware products that became world renowned in the mid-17th to mid-18th centuries, this pair of cobalt blue and white cylinder vases were hand-painted in Holland (Netherlands) in the early 1900’s. The vases depict two distinct scenes, which were interestingly painted by different artists.
One vase has a farmhouse scene signed by “E. Lombart”, with a thatched roof house set near two large trees. In front of the house is a woman watching over a cow and three chickens as they gather near a stone feeding trough...
Category
Early 20th Century Dutch Vases
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
18th Century Carved Limestone Corner Sink or Fountain Basin from Apt, France
Located in Dallas, TX
This stone piece was once the basin for a corner fountain or used as corner sink on a property in the rugged hills of Provence, France. It features a thick...
Category
Antique 18th Century French Stone Sinks
Materials
Stone, Limestone
Pair of Late 18th Century Italian Giltwood Baroque Candlesticks
Located in Dallas, TX
With their right angle bases and descending bobeche display, this pair of Italian giltwood candlesticks make unique light sources. Hand-carved in the late 1700’s, the Baroque period ...
Category
Antique Late 18th Century Italian Baroque Candlesticks
Materials
Metal, Iron
18th Century French Walnut Wood Commode En Tombeau from Provence
Located in Dallas, TX
An en tombeau is a type of commode with three tiers of drawers and short legs. Our walnut wood chest of drawers was hand-carved in Provence, France d...
Category
Antique 18th Century French Louis XV Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Pair of Scalloped Sterling Silver Platters with Repousse Fruit Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
First produced in 1907 by the American silversmith company, Reed & Barton, this pair of sterling silver platters has repousse fruit motifs. Repousse is a metalwork technique where the verso (back) side is hammered to produce low relief images that can be seen when viewing the front. Curled leaves and C-scrolls seamlessly alternate along the outside of the platter to form scalloped edges. Beneath the crenelle are segmented sections (eight in total) that are adorned with alternating images of a cluster of fruit followed by a tall pinnate leaf. Our pair of scalloped sterling silver platters can be displayed on stands...
Category
20th Century American Platters and Serveware
Materials
Sterling Silver
Pair of Circa 1800 Giltwood Angels from Italy
Located in Dallas, TX
Hand-carved in Italy, circa 1800, this pair of giltwood angels is depicted in a double genuflection, or kneeling, stance. Both angels are completely gil...
Category
Antique Early 1800s Italian Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
Antique Silvered Bronze Pitcher from France, Circa 1890
Located in Dallas, TX
An exquisite example of Rococo style ornamentation, this antique (circa 1890) silvered bronze pitcher comes from France. The pitcher has been adorned with spiral fluting that expand ...
Category
Antique 1890s French Rococo Pitchers
Materials
Bronze
17th Century Spanish Walnut Wood Table with Single Plank Top
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautifully crafted wooden table from Spain, the walnut was hand-carved at the end of the Renaissance (in the 1600’s). As is the case with most Spanish Renaissance tables, the 1 ½” thick single plank top rests upon tightly turned legs. The edges of the top do not have molding or carvings but receive added character from the large dovetail grooves that were used to construct the table.
This table has framing beneath the top plank which houses three horizontally aligned drawers. Each drawer façade has an iron escutcheon in the shape of shield with two engrailed top edges. The keyplate is set within a foliate margent that is surrounded by several layers of molding. Identical carvings and iron plates can be seen on the opposite side of the table, which has faux drawer fronts. Beneath the belt are four turned legs connected by an H-stretcher.
Our 17th century Spanish walnut table...
Category
Antique 17th Century Spanish Sofa Tables
Materials
Metal, Iron
18th Century Spanish Leather Trunk with Large Studded Nailhead Decoration
Located in Dallas, TX
A fantastic Spanish trunk with an angular dome top, the wood has been covered in leather on all sides except the back. The deep chocolate color leather has been affixed with various ...
Category
Antique 18th Century Spanish Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Iron
19th Century French Coastal Landscape Painting, Signed Kuwasseg
Located in Dallas, TX
Inspired by his voyages as a sailor, the French painter Charles Kuwasseg painted this impressive coastal landscape painting in the 1870’s (the canvas ...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Paint
18th Century Walnut Buffet De Chasse from Lyon, France
Located in Dallas, TX
This beautiful walnut buffet de chasse (hunting buffet) is characteristic of furniture from the Rhone-Alpes region of France during the Louis XV perio...
Category
Antique Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Buffets
Materials
Stone, Iron
19th Century Highly Carved French Oak Sculpture of a Man Harvesting Wine Grapes
Located in Dallas, TX
This beautiful sculpture has been carved from solid French oak during the latter half of the 19th century. The style is that of Black Forest, with realistic depictions of branches, leaves, grapes, and more. Originally a French clock, most of the timing mechanisms have long been removed. The elaborate carving depicts a man harvesting wine grapes on rocky terrain dotted with vegetation. Our gatherer, who is clad in an overcoat and large brimmed hat, is carrying a hod (hotte in French) full of freshly picked grapes. A large wooden bucket...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Black Forest Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
19th Century Painted French Iron Pastry or Butcher Table with Carrara Marble Top
Located in Dallas, TX
This antique white painted iron table with marble top was produced in France, circa 1870. Tables such as these would have been used to do disp...
Category
Antique 1870s French Serving Tables
Materials
Carrara Marble, Iron
18th Century Wrought Iron Fireplace Chenets from France
Located in Dallas, TX
These antique French “chenets” are from the 1700s and have been hand-wrought in iron. Their uppermost portions were crafted to hold cups or bowls of liquid which would then be heated...
Category
Antique 18th Century French Fireplace Tools and Chimney Pots
Materials
Iron, Wrought Iron
Pair of 18th Century Italian Baroque Giltwood Candleholders
Located in Dallas, TX
Hand-carved in Italy, this pair of giltwood candleholders are from the Baroque period. Based on the asymmetrical carvings of C-scrolls and curled leaves, this was most likely an earl...
Category
Antique 18th Century Italian Baroque Candelabras
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
Antique French Silvered Bronze Table Mirror with Candle Holders, Circa 1850
Located in Dallas, TX
A unique production from the Napoleon III period, this silvered bronze table mirror features two adjustable foliate candle holders that slot into gudgeons affixed near the base of a ...
Category
Antique 1850s French Rococo Table Mirrors
Materials
Bronze
A Wide 17th Century Winged Angel in Carved Walnut Wood from France
Located in Dallas, TX
At over four feet wide, this winged angel carving has an impressive span. Hand-carved in walnut in France during the 1600’s, the sculpture depicts the i...
Category
Antique 17th Century French Wall-mounted Sculptures
Materials
Walnut
Early 18th Century French Oak Buffet Deux Corps from Colmar, Alsace
Located in Dallas, TX
Colmar, where this handsome buffet deux corps was crafted, is an affluent commune in the Alsace region of France, a mere 15 miles from the German border. Because of this proximity, the hand-carved oak cabinet features some elements that were inspired by German woodworkers of the early 1700’s.
A robust lower body, with a thick molding along the apron, is supported by four onion feet, often found on large German case pieces...
Category
Antique Early 18th Century French Louis XIV Buffets
Materials
Iron
Le Pont Neuf Painting in Giltwood Frame by Ansaloni, Dated 1944
Located in Dallas, TX
Le Pont Neuf, the oldest existing bridge to span the Seine in Paris, is the subject of this painted board in giltwood frame, signed and dated in the lower left corner by the artist, ...
Category
Vintage 1940s French Paintings
Materials
Wood, Giltwood, Paint
Early 18th Century Brabant Brussels Tapestry Fragment with Swag and Rams Heads
Located in Dallas, TX
Hand-woven by a workshop in the early 1700’s, this tapestry fragment features a lush fruit and floral display with swag and rams’ heads. The rams’ heads are located in the upper corn...
Category
Antique Early 18th Century Belgian Louis XIV Tapestries
Materials
Textile, Wool, Silk
19th Century French Regence Style Silver and Gold Leaf Mirror "a Parcloses"
Located in Dallas, TX
This stunning silver and gold gilt wall mirror has eight side mirrored panels separated and held in place from the main center mirror by giltwood or...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Louis XIV Wall Mirrors
Materials
Mirror, Wood
Circa 1870 French Walnut Wood Center Table with Rams' Heads and Fleur De Lys
Located in Dallas, TX
This unusual and interesting center table was produced in France, during the middle of the latter half of the 19th century. It was during this time that French furniture makers, desi...
Category
Antique 1870s French Louis XIV Center Tables
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Rare 17th Century Oak and Brass 4-Door Buffet from Saint-Malo, France, C. 1690
Located in Dallas, TX
This grand and distinctive piece of furniture from Northern Brittany is known as a “buffet malouin” and was created in the late 17th century. These types of cabinets were created for important homes in the historic port city of Saint-Malo. The design, with large octagonal molded panels, double colonettes, and finely cut brass fittings, is unique to other French furniture of the period. The design was directly influenced by the Dutch mariner carpenters living in Saint-Malo at the time (the Dutch beeldenkast cabinet shows similarities)
The large four-door cabinet was carved in oak, as was most of the other “malouin” furniture pieces. It is an imposing and impressive piece, standing over 7 feet tall and nearly 7 feet wide. The front of the piece has twisted, double colonettes, multi-profiled cushion-shaped octagonal panels, and finely cut brass key hole escutcheons, drawer pulls, and lozenge plates. There are 3 drawers, 2 of which are full sized, with a smaller drawer in the center. 3 large bun feet along the front hold up the entire piece, while 2 block feet support the rear.
Each door has its own functioning key and lock, with a yet another key for the center drawer. Door and drawer panels are solid and impressive old pieces of oak, which still open and close with ease, indicating the quality of construction and great care that this piece has received over the centuries.
The “meuble malouin” in the form of a large 4 door buffet is not often easily found. Research shows photos of several models in various states that have come to surface, but they were not nearly pervasive as French case...
Category
Antique 1690s French Louis XIV Cupboards
Materials
Brass
Antique French Zinc Oeil De Boeuf Window Frame, Circa 1890
Located in Dallas, TX
Sometimes referred to as a dormer, this zinc oeil de boeuf window frame is from France, circa 1890. First used during the 17th century, the dormer...
Category
Antique 1890s French Windows
Materials
Zinc
Circa 1730 Bleached Oak Buffet Deux Corps from Laval, France
Located in Dallas, TX
Hand-carved in Laval, France, circa 1730, this oak buffet deux corps has been bleached, allowing the motifs of the Louis XV cabinet to gain promi...
Category
Antique 1730s French Louis XV Buffets
Materials
Oak
18th Century French Cherrywood 'Bureau de Pente' Slant Top Writing Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
Larger than the typical Louis XV writing desk, this cherrywood bureau de pente was hand-carved in France during the late 1700’s, just after the period ended. This type of desk went by several names, including bureau dos d’âne and secrétaire à dessus brisé, and they almost always featured a fold-down writing surface.
Four long, slender cabriole legs, which are typical of Louis XV writing desks, provide a sturdy base for the beautiful desk. The curvaceousness of the legs continues throughout the desk, from the subtly contoured sides to the highly sinuous apron on all sides. Set within the apron are two drawers with round bronze pulls that flank a faux center drawer with a foliate and shell handle.
The fold-down writing surface, which has a functioning lock with a foliate escutcheon, opens to reveal eight small arbalete drawers arranged in four columns. Above the topmost drawers of each column is an open storage compartment. There are two more larger storage compartments in the center above a false-bottom hidden compartment. The fold down writing surface is held by a set of polished steel arms.
A graceful and functional bureau de pente from the late 18th century, this cherrywood slant top writing desk...
Category
Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Stripped 19th Century French Oak Renaissance Style Table with Marble Top
Located in Dallas, TX
As is the case with most French Renaissance style furniture, this beautiful stripped oak table with marble top features elaborate sculptural ornamen...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Renaissance Side Tables
Materials
Marble, Metal, Brass
Pair of Tall French Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze Sconces, C. 1880
Located in Dallas, TX
This large pair of wall sconces is made of gilt bronze and dates to the late 19th century. The design of the sconces is in the Louis XVI taste, as evidenced by the lyre-form body, t...
Category
Antique 1880s French Louis XVI Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Bronze
Antique French Neoclassical Grisaille Overdoor Painting, Circa 1815
Located in Dallas, TX
Hand-painted in France, this handsome grisaille overdoor painting is from the neoclassical period, circa 1815. Grisaille is a monochromatic painting ...
Category
Antique 1810s French Neoclassical Paintings
Materials
Canvas
French Carved Oak Coffre Chest or Trunk with Shaped Legs, 20th Century
Located in Dallas, TX
Chests are one of the oldest pieces of furniture, as ancient Egyptians first used them around 3000 BC. During the early Renaissance, taller chests, such as this French oak coffre chest...
Category
20th Century French Blanket Chests
Materials
Oak
Louis XIV Cherrywood Commode from France, Early 18th Century
Located in Dallas, TX
The straight grain and rich color of the cherry tree made it a desirable wood for constructing luxury furniture during the 18th century. One beautiful example is our period Louis XIV commode, which was hand-carved in France in the early 1700’s.
Augmenting the lovely reddish-brown color of the commode is an arbalete top that slightly hangs over the three stacked drawers below. Each drawer has three bronze foliate fittings set inside geometric panels with recessed molding (two pierced foliate swag pulls flanking a small keyplate surrounded by a parted leaf). There is a unique, shallow pullout drawer with two concentric circle pulls built into the molded frieze. This drawer was most likely used to store jewelry and other small valuables.
Canted corners can be seen along the front of the shaped top, with elongated asymmetrical panels beneath that flank the tiers of drawers...
Category
Antique Early 18th Century French Louis XIV Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Bronze
Small Italian Beige and Burgundy Marble Lobed Basin or Vide Poche
Located in Dallas, TX
Hand-carved in Italy during the 1900’s, this small marble lobed basin would make a great vide-poche. A vide-poche (literally “empty pocket”) is a small storage bowl for everyday items, such as car keys, loose change, wallets, etc.
A marble basin of this size might have originally been used in a Catholic church as a holy water vessel. The gadrooned lobes carved along the outside give the appearance of a stylized scalloped shell. On the back of the shell is an excavated block of marble, which is how the basin would have been affixed to a wall. The beautiful beige colored marble with burgundy inclusions and white veining has been carved with a quarter round molding along the rim. A versatile item, our small Italian marble shell basin...
Category
20th Century Italian Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche
Materials
Marble
Large 18th Century French Oil on Canvas Painting depicting a Hunt Scene
Located in Dallas, TX
This large (96 3/4 inches high) oil on canvas painting depicts a man and his dog on a hunt in the French countryside. A hunter dressed in red and tan with a mauve overcoat can be seen following behind a white retriever...
Category
Antique 18th Century French Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Large 18th Century French Oil on Canvas Painting Depicting a Hunt Scene
Located in Dallas, TX
This large (110 inches high) oil on canvas painting depicts a successful hunter, with his felled game displayed near his retriever dogs. Our hunter is leaning against a stone pedestal, clad in blue coat and pants with his rifle beneath his right hand. The man is wearing a gold cap with red fabric attached to it and has a sword on his left hip. Three retriever dogs stand to the hunter’s left, while a fourth sits in front of him (the man appears to be motioning to this dog with his left hand).
An orange terra cotta vase adorned with spiral fluting sits on top of a molded plinth at the top of the pedestal. Ivy has begun to wrap around the vase, which also is festooned with green drapery. On a ledge at the base of the pedestal is the felled game: a rabbit and three birds. The hunting display is surrounded by numerous trees and shrubbery. Mountains and a lake can be seen in the background, beneath a blue sky with pink and orange clouds and birds flying.
Based on the size and vertical orientation, the scene was most likely part of a French boiserie room...
Category
Antique 18th Century French Louis XVI Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Wood
A Long 17th Century Carved Oak Baluster Leg Table from Flanders
Located in Dallas, TX
At over nine feet long, this sumptuous oak baluster leg table was hand-carved with an H-stretcher in Flanders, circa 1680. Long tables such as these...
Category
Antique 17th Century Belgian Baroque Sofa Tables
Materials
Oak
Weathered Cast Stone Pig and Piglets from England, 20th C.
Located in Dallas, TX
Cast in England in the 1900s using reconstituted stone, this charming pig and four piglets statue has developed a lovely weathered patina from exposure to the elements. Reconstituted stone is organic stone that has been crushed into small bits (if you look closely, you can still see pebble inclusions within the casting). These fragments are then combined with cement and sometimes coloring pigments are added to the mix. The resulting aggregate is poured into a mold where it is left to harden. After the blend has set, the mold is removed, rendering a durable work of art. Our weathered cast stone pig...
Category
20th Century English Animal Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Cast Stone
Antique Forged Iron Fleur-de-Lys Torchere Sconce from France, circa 1900
Located in Dallas, TX
From France, this antique forged iron torchere style sconce has a large single fleur-de-lis at the top and a thick scroll at the bottom of it. The sconce’s stem is at an angle, held to the backplate by a twisted iron bar. There is a flame style glass...
Category
Antique Early 1900s French Medieval Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Iron
Antique Wrought Iron Torchere from Italy, 18th Century
Located in Dallas, TX
This stately 18th century torchere from Italy has a pyramid shape at the top which has been hand-hammered and is removable (see photos). It holds...
Category
Antique 18th Century Italian Torchères
Materials
Wrought Iron
18th Century Carved Wooden Statue from France
Located in Dallas, TX
This antique French hand carved wooden statue is of a bearded man wearing a robe tied at the waist with a long scarf draped over his shoulder...
Category
Antique 18th Century French Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Miniature Antique Louis XV Style Chest of Drawers from France, circa 1910
Located in Dallas, TX
This antique miniature French table top commode dates to the early 1900s. It is in the Louis XV style with splayed feet, shaped (or "bombe") sides, and bronze hardware throughout. Th...
Category
Early 20th Century French Louis XV Models and Miniatures
Materials
Fruitwood, Walnut
Antique Painted Iron Floor Torchere from France, Early 1900s
Located in Dallas, TX
This five light, antique French cast iron torchere has been painted deep green with gold colored bands around the motifs. The motifs are trefoils, ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Gothic Floor Lamps
Materials
Iron
Rare 18th Century Commode with Side Doors Walnut, Rhone Valley, France
Located in Dallas, TX
Walnut and burled walnut.
In 1700s France, the commode was considered the finest piece of furniture in the chateau. It was also placed in the most important areas so it could be seen. This particular commode from Bourgogne or Vallee du Rhone area, is very rare in its shape and storage area. The shaped sides are small cabinets with one shaped shelf each. Each door opens to the back so that the contents are kept private from any guests. The 'galbee' front features three full drawers with brass hardware. The veneered wooden insets on the drawers and sides are all burled walnut wood. All this rests upon four outward shaped feet. There are three keys for opening the side cabinets and front drawers. This rare and large French commode...
Category
Antique 18th Century French Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
Antique Napoleon III Giltwood Firescreen from France
Located in Dallas, TX
This antique French giltwood framed oval needlepoint firescreen was originally used to cover the opening of the fireplace during the warmer mont...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Fireplace Tools and Chimney Pots
Materials
Silk, Textile, Wood
17th Century Granite Rose Mortar from Brittany, France
Located in Dallas, TX
This granite rose mortar was hand-carved in Northern Brittany, France during the 1600’s. Granite is formed when magma is cooled underground, which causes various minerals to become e...
Category
Antique 17th Century French Decorative Bowls
Materials
Granite
Pair of Tall 19th Century Chapel Doors from Belgium
Located in Dallas, TX
Hand-carved in Belgium, circa 1860, this 11 foot tall pair of doors (132.88 inches) were recently salvaged from a Belgian chapel. They can be considered of the Gothic style, which is sometimes referred to as “pointed architecture”, because of the prevalence of pointed arches in buildings.
Each door is composed of six vertical planks constructed with mortise and tenon joinery. All planks have been adorned with iron pyramid protuberances, placed in a repeating pattern. The planks and iron retain their white paint, now naturally weathered over the years, perfect for those who appreciate original condition. At over 11 feet tall, these 19th century chapel doors...
Category
Antique 1860s Belgian Gothic Doors and Gates
Materials
Iron
19th Century Carrara and Sicilian Marble Table from a Villa in Turin
Located in Dallas, TX
Discovered in a villa in Turin, Italy, this beautiful table features two types of marble, which were hand-carved in the 1800’s. The rectangular top with canted corners has been carve...
Category
Antique 19th Century Italian Center Tables
Materials
Marble
18th Century Italian Silvered and Giltwood Parecloses Mirror with Sunburst Crest
Located in Dallas, TX
Hand-carved in Italy in the 1700’s, this silvered and giltwood parecloses mirror has a large sunburst crest. The central sun is surrounded by a stylized circular cloud, with beams of...
Category
Antique 18th Century Italian Wall Mirrors
Materials
Glass, Wood, Giltwood
Silver Plated French Bacchanalian Jardiniere, Circa 1880
Located in Dallas, TX
Produced in France, circa 1880, this impressive silver plated jardiniere has elements of Greek mythology, making it Neoclassical style. On each side of the jardiniere is a mascaron o...
Category
Antique 1880s French Neoclassical Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières
Materials
Metal, Silver Plate
Large Carved Oak Renaissance Style Armchair from France, C. 1890
Located in Dallas, TX
Hand-carved in the Renaissance style in France, circa 1890, this imposing oak armchair features a verdant tapestry affixed with iron nailheads. The sc...
Category
Antique 1890s French Renaissance Armchairs
Materials
Tapestry, Upholstery, Oak
Antique Forged Iron Candelabra Torchere from Spain, Circa 1900
Located in Dallas, TX
Forged in Spain, circa 1900, this iron candelabra torchere has three arms embellished with angular protrusions, in the form of stylized leaves emanating from a plant stem. Each arm i...
Category
Antique Early 1900s Spanish Torchères
Materials
Iron
Pair of Italian 18th Century Painted and Gilt Putti with Cornucopia Torcheres
Located in Dallas, TX
Standing at just under 4 feet high and hand-carved in Italy during the 1700’s, this fabulous pair of hand-painted and gilt putti torcheres have sinuous corn...
Category
Antique 18th Century Italian Torchères
Materials
Iron
Fine French Terracotta Bust of a Woman with Wreath and Veil, 19th/20th Century
Located in Dallas, TX
This terracotta bust of a woman has some exquisite details. Sculpted in France in the late 1800’s to early 1900’s, our subject has long, straight hair emerging from underneath a hood...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Busts
Materials
Terracotta
Small Italian Carved Marble Shell Basin or Vide Poche, 20th C
Located in Dallas, TX
Hand-carved in Italy during the 1900’s, this small marble shell basin would make a great vide-poche. A vide-poche (literally “empty pocket”) is a small sto...
Category
20th Century Italian Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche
Materials
Marble
Antique Wooden Statue of Wenchang Wang, God of Literature and Culture
Located in Dallas, TX
This fascinating antique wooden statue depicts the Taoist God of Literature and Culture, Wenchang Wang. The statue was likely hand-carved in China in the 1700’s, but it is quite possible that it predates the 18th century. An iron stand has been added to the back more recently, although a portion of the back is excavated, indicating that the statue was once part of a larger installation.
Wenchang has been posed in a seated position with his hands clasped in front of his body, which is a common representation of the god in artwork. The hands have a shallow incised section, indicating that Wenchang once held an object. Based on other statues and drawings of Wenchang from this time, it was most likely a hu scepter that once accompanied the statue. Wenchang is clad in an ankle-length robe and a ridged headdress. Although the statue’s color is predominantly natural wood, very old traces of polychrome can be seen throughout the piece indicating that it was once vividly painted.
In China, those who study hard, and test well are often rewarded with high-ranking civil service jobs. The common belief is that Wenchang guides these scholars, leading many to seek his assistance. A statue of this size indicates it could have once been commissioned for a Chinese temple. Today, our wooden statue of Wenchang Wang would make a perfect piece of art in a study or library. It would work well with any contemporary interior, or with an interior displaying other very old Chinese artifacts...
Category
Antique 18th Century Chinese Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Large 19th Century French Cherub Statue in Terra Cotta Tinted Plaster
Located in Dallas, TX
This large French cherub or cupid statue from the 1800’s is made from plaster that has been tinted to mimic the natural color of terra cotta. The figure ...
Category
Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Plaster
circa 1880 French Plaster Sculpture of Francois Rene De Chateaubriand
Located in Dallas, TX
Made in plaster, circa 1880, this interesting French sculpture depicts Francois Rene de Chateaubriand sitting with his legs crossed in an armchair. A rolled scroll is in his right hand, which rests on his thigh and books and scrolls are strewn beneath the chair. Chateaubriand’s long overcoat is unbuttoned and gathered, showing an elegant frock and bowtie ensemble beneath. Beneath the chair is a shaped plinth with cavetto molding on all sides and “Chateaubriand” incised along the front.
Francois Rene de Chateaubriand was born in Saint-Malo, France in 1768, the youngest of 10 children. A noted politician, historian, and author, Chateaubriand had a profound effect on literature, being the first major figure of Romanticism. Chateaubriand was also the original man of letters, a group of French authors that also had burgeoning political careers. A fellow man of letter, Victor Hugo was so inspired by Chateaubriand that he is known for having said “To be Chateaubriand or nothing”. This French plaster sculpture...
Category
Antique 1880s French Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Plaster
Antique Marble Basin from an Italian Villa, Early 1900s
Located in Dallas, TX
Salvaged from the garden of an Italian villa, this marble basin was hand-carved in the early 1900’s and most recently used as a planter. The ovate shaped bowl has an exterior width of 31 inches and has a small drainage hole in the bottom. A square, rough-cut block that extends from the backside would be used to affix the basin to a wall. The gray marble is naturally weathered, giving the stone a matte finish with a nice speckled black patina. Not only would this piece be a unique garden planter, the antique basin...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Stone Sinks
Materials
Marble
Antique Marble Basin from an Italian Villa, Early 1900s
Located in Dallas, TX
Salvaged from the garden of an Italian villa, this marble basin was hand-carved in the early 1900’s and most recently used as a planter. The ovate shaped bowl has an exterior width o...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Stone Sinks
Materials
Marble
Monumental Italian Wall Fountain in Carved Verona Rossa Marble, Early 1900s
Located in Dallas, TX
This monumental Italian wall fountain was hand-carved in verona rossa marble in the early 1900’s. Truly the work of a master mason, the fountain is comprised of four thick pieces of richly carved marble, with each piece weighing several hundred pounds. The marble has lovely salmon color with cream inclusions that has developed a soft patina.
The 3 ¼” deep back wall is adorned with a repetitive C-scroll border. A winged lion mascaron hovers above a geometric panel filled with nondescript interlaced carvings. Below the panel is a scalloped shell with sprawling barbed rinceaux that flows between a pair of volute scrolls on the edge of the wall. The shell has a small, incised circle where a spout or tap can be placed, depending on the desired use.
Beneath the vertical wall is an 8 ½” thick sinuous bowl embellished with thick quarter round molding. The front façade has a stylized coat of arms consisting of a shaped shield emblazoned with a fleur de lys. Inside the basin, the back wall has been carved with a pair of volute C-scrolls surrounding bundled leaves. At the base of the leaves is a small drainage hole.
Three volutes highlight the luxurious column that sits on a rectangular plinth with two canted corners. All three volutes are in the traditional S-shape, with two of them flanking the larger channeled scroll. A small fleur de lys graces the front of the plinth, which has gently sloped top edges. There is a thin grooved molding near the base.
A natural conversation piece for any courtyard or garden setting, the Renaissance style Italian wall fountain can be used indoors or outside. It could also be used as a large sink...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Renaissance Fountains
Materials
Marble
