French Parcel Painted Plaster and Wood Overdoor Panel from Provence

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...

Originally an overdoor from a boiserie room at a French chateau, this large architectural was hand-carved during the Louis XVI period, circa 1790. The overdoor is roughly rectangular, with the exception of the stepped bottom molding, which would have been necessary to fit over the door frame. In the center of the overdoor is a classical urn adorned with imbricated disks and gadrooning and topped with a pinecone finial. The vessel is surrounded by an ovate border embellished with bead and reel, an oval floret, scrolls, and foliage. Two bundled leaf swags emanate from the top of the medallion, flowing in opposite directions, with crinkled ribbon loosely twirled around the greenery. An additional crinkled ribbon is wrapped around the garland just before the swag feeds through a hoop and turns downwards. Prominent molding with several thick layers surrounds the low-relief carvings, providing a nice border to the architectural panel. The wood has been painted a grayish-green color, sometimes referred to as “French gray”, which is a very neutral color that can be paired with many interior color palettes. Our Louis XVI painted overdoor...

With its elaborate Rocaille style, this period Louis XV overdoor was hand-carved in France during the 1700s. Rocaille pieces featured dramatic movements that drew inspiration from na...

This lovely architectural element from Provence has several names: oeil-de-boeuf, chien-assis, dormer, and lucarne all of which are interchangeable. Comprised of nine pieces of limestone, the building component was designed to be installed on an upper level of a house, with a window fitting inside the interior opening. Our window surround...

Found in a chateau in Loriol du Comtat, in the Provence region of France, this large-scale plaster sculpture is signed and dated by the artist, making it a rare find. Originally part of a boiserie containing a fireplace, the sculpture decorated the main hall of the chateau. The artist, Marius Sain, created the piece for the owners of the chateau in 1914. The lovely depiction of a shepherdess and her flock is a fitting subject for an area of France in which shepherding is such an important part of the culture. The preserved heritage of transhumance in Provence goes back at least 800 years, as evidenced by collections of ancient songs, stories, and art. Life-size in scale, the lovely sculpture features a mix of high-, mid-, and low-relief embellishments. A hooded shepherdess tends to her flock of sheep with a crook in hand. A dog sits calmly at her feet as the flock gathers in front of them. Both the shepherdess and the dog are in high relief, as is the lead sheep. The lamb seen suckling from the front sheep was crafted in mid relief, as is the visible head on the far right of the sculpture. There are a few sheep behind them in low relief. Large trees can be seen on either side of the group, while off in the background (faintly visible) are a castle with four fastigiate Mediterranean cypress trees (known as Stricta) and a spired church. The attention to detail is magnificent, with textured surfaces including the animals’ fur and the uneven ground. A previous owner (recently) had an iron and limestone stand created for displaying purposes. The cream-colored limestone has been cut into three pieces and is inset into the six-legged iron frame. Block print on the plaster can be seen just above the edge of the stand. The letters read Le Soir, which is French for “The Night”. The right side of the sculpture has been signed “M Sain 1914”. Marius Joseph Sain was born in 1877 in Avignon, France. In 1902, Sain moved to Paris to study at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts. Through introductions by his older brother and painter, Paul...

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...

A pair of antique Indonesian carved wood overdoor panels from the 19th century, with traces of original paint. Crafted in Indonesia, each of these horizontal carved panels features geometric motifs surrounding a delicate scrolling foliage, accented with faint traces of a blue finish. Placed everywhere in a home, this pair of antique Indonesian carved panels...

Pair of Italian painted and parcel gilt panels. Bouquet finial supported by cherub in beaded frame , Three carved vertical columns of twisting floral forms. Carved sunburst pattern a...

Rope turned pattern with water and matte gilding .Nicks , chips and minor losses and subsequent touchups. Red bole bleeding through gilding in places.

Antique French shutters that were removed from a chateau in Provence. Great patina and fabulous original hardware (see photos). They would create a wonderful atmosphere in any settin...

One of two in our inventory, this decorative plaster relief depicts a mythological scene. Hung on a wall or placed atop a large table or chest, this work can add architectural intere...

A pair of hand carved wood panels with intertwining designs covering the whole front and back with a framed look to each . Two well crafted piec...