Large 18th Century Portuguese Azulejo Mural Plaque

This large and attractive architectural piece is known as a pulpit canopy. Before the advent of microphones and speakers, orators would often address assemblies from elevated platforms known as “wine glass pulpits”. These podiums featured domed roofs called abat-voix, sometimes known as sounding boards, that would project sound outwards. Our walnut wood pulpit canopy is a fine example of such a device. Hand-carved and hand-painted in Italy in the 1700’s, our abat-voix is roughly octagonal in shape. Each of the sides have edges with luxuriously thick step molding, alternating between stained and gilded wood. Each of the corner cornices are adorned with gilded flower carvings, although some are missing. The interior of the canopy features a gilded open sun with sinuous rays emanating all around. Each of the sides are adorned with foliate margents surrounded by scrolls, again with some losses. All the edges are bordered with a thin layer of gilding. Although our fascinating 18th century Italian walnut pulpit canopy was designed for a church pulpit...

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 large, impressive patinated bronze plaque has been cast in high relief and patinated to a rich brown color. The scene depicts the legend of Gaius Mucius Scaevola. According t...

This fabulous hand-carved boiseries or wooden panel was recently purchased from the Chateau St. Maclou in Normandy, France. Rooms of boiseries had design motifs that were kept the same throughout the entire area that was paneled. For instance, on this panel, there are mainly acanthus leaf motifs used in various areas. A medieval lion...

Pair of 18th Century painted architectural fragment panels with putties, one of the panels has Louis Seize decorations The panels were ...

Beautiful tile mural with the "Floral" motif finely painted. Quantity: 35 tiles Tile mural size: 29.5"H X 41.3"W (75cm X 105cm) Tile size: 5.9"H X 5.9"W (15cm X 15cm) Origin: Po...

Beautiful tile mural with the "Floral" motif finely painted. Quantity: 35 tiles Tile mural size: 29.5"H X 41.3"W (75cm X 105cm) Tile size: 5.9"H X 5.9"W (15cm X 15cm) Origin: Po...

An outstanding and grand 17th century Baroque oil painting on an oval wooden panel of the Madonna and Child. Beautifully executed and stunning patina.