Antique French Neoclassical Grisaille Overdoor Painting, Circa 1815

The reign of Napoleon III, often referred to as “The Second Empire”, featured an amalgamation of styles from previous regimes, ranging from the light and airy Rococo of Louis XV to the more stoic Neoclassical trophies of Louis XVI. Our painted giltwood overdoor from circa 1850 is in the vein of a Regence or Louis XV adaptation of the Napoleon III period. The piece is adorned with flowing motifs inspired by nature, such as the curled leaves, scalloped shell, and deep carvings seen on the overdoor. A main principle of Napoleon III furnishings was to utilize every inch available, as noted by the gadrooned leaf and rinceaux that emanate from behind the center medallion, forming a sprawling border. The medallion features an amazing high relief carving of a floral bouquet surrounded by curled leaves with scrolled tendrils and raised, asymmetrical panels. At the top is a scalloped shell, which is mimicked by a pair of parted leaves set at an angle in each of the upper corners. All of the carvings are presented in giltwood, which pairs nicely with the cream colored background that is enveloped in a quarter round molding (also gilded). The entire grouping is presented as a raised carving, with a thin board behind it that has tas de sable (sandpit) pilasters topped with block finials flanking the overdoor. Unique to most other antique overdoors...

This colorful and gleeful genre painting is from France, circa 1770. Genre paintings depict people engaged in common activities, such as picnicking, strolling through a park, or romantic settings. In the 17th and 18th centuries, paintings of this style typically came from France, The Netherlands, and Belgium. This particular painting can be considered to be after Nicolas Lancret...

Genre paintings, such as this outdoor scene on a board, depict people engaged in leisurely activities, such as picnicking, hunting, or walking through a park. They were popular durin...

Once installed architecturally in a chateau in Normandy, France, this large pair of overdoors was painted in the 1700s and executed in a technique known as verdaille. Verdaille utilizes various shades of green to achieve a mesmerizing monochromatic effect. This technique’s rich history traces back to the 12th century when it was initially employed to create stained glass for Cistercian monasteries, where colorful art was prohibited, making these overdoors not only aesthetically captivating but also a piece of living art history. Interestingly, there is a hand-written transport note on the back of one of the overdoors (see detail photo) that mentions the paintings were to be shipped to a Madame DeFrance in Paris, at the rue St. Honore corner of la rue Dufour (freight pre-paid). These exquisite pieces are encompassed by wood frames adorned with lavish foliate carvings, beautifully painted in a soothing French gray hue. Each overdoor encapsulates a unique musical scene that transports you to the heart of 18th-century Europe. In the first painting, a man plays the uilleann pipe, a unique instrument with a bellow-driven mechanism that distinguishes it from a bagpipe. The musician has quite an audience, as two women, one cradling a sheep, and four more sheep next to a dog have gathered nearby. In the second painting, witness a captivating moment of courtship as a gentleman kneels before a woman with a tambourine in her hands. He presents a long woodwind instrument, possibly a carnyx, while a faithful dog rests nearby amidst a backdrop of gardening tools. These stunning French verdaille overdoors were once part of a themed boiserie room (most likely green in color and centered around music). They can once again be used to create a theme above a pair of interior doors or they can be hung as a unique set of artwork.

This beautiful section of boiserie has been carved from softwood in the 17th century (upper section pieces only). It has been completely cleaned (stripped) and clear waxed at some point in it's history, and about 15 years ago, the previous owners added the base section (one piece), and backing. The motifs are acanthus leaves in various forms, discs, scrolls and beading. To the sides of the center open section are crowns with ribbons. The one on the left is over an arrangement of irises while the one on the right is over an arrangement of roses. Beneath each is a draped cartouche with roses hanging from the center. Both of these sections are slightly curved inward to the central covered alcove. The opening is curved at the top with the ceiling being flat. Different motifs described above are at the back and the front. A bracket is above this blending into the ceiling molding...

These phenomenal hand-carved architectural panels date to the 1600s. They are completely carved in relief, and they are in the Renaissance style with motifs of scrolling rinceaux at ...

A group of five (5) wooden panels framed, paint and parcel-gilt, with hand-painted Classical figures, female, goddesses and / or muses with attributes, early 18th century, Italy.

French Art Deco (1930s) large cream and gold lacquered painted stucco on wood wall panel depicting birds within a floral design. (signed: PIERRE BOBOT)

Large wall painting "The Ways Of The Red October" October Revolution, Kandt, DDR Manfred Kandt (1922-1992) Oversized mural "Ways of Red October" created...

Late 18th century French Grisaille Painting, oil on canvas. Mythological scene with the Greek God Pan and dancing putto figures with ivory painted an...

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American Art Deco architectural panel made with cut linoleum and chrome inlay on metal. The piece is depicting the old entrance to the Lin...