Gilt Panelling

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...

Hand-carved in Florence, Italy, this pair of wall mirrors have been surrounded by giltwood carvings on top of painted boiserie panels. The panels, which feature a column of crenellation along each edge, have been painted in a polychrome gray-green. Both the entablature and the plinth have several layers of molding, some with gilt embellishments. In the center of each panel is a symmetrically shaped mirror with a giltwood border. Above the mirror is a lovely volute margent that spans the entire width of the glass. Two similar, smaller margents fill the canted corners at the bottom of the mirror. A beautiful pair of mirrors with subtle carvings, they can be hung directly onto a wall or inset architecturally, in the style of boiserie paneling.

Pair of richly carved pilasters in gilded and carved wood, ancient originals from the 18th century, they were part of an important frame, portal or cornice, from Florence Italy, some...

Ancient coping, wall sculpture, decoration in gilded and hand-carved wood, built in the 18th century for church decoration in Naples (Italy). Sculp...

Ancient pair of pilasters, frames or columns in carved and gilded wood, built and sculpted by hand, of great quality, very old from the 17th century, from an altarpiece of a rich chu...

This French deep relief hand carved oak panel from the mid-18th century features an angel's face flanked by wings. Additional carvings of garland...

A fantastic pair of mid-19th century Venetian Palazzo Doors in painted and gilt wood. True statement pieces for a sumptuous interior.

A stunning pair of Portuguese 18th century architectural fragments in polychromed and giltwood. Wonderful accent pieces to build ...

Beautiful glass panels representing a hunting scene, original Italian mid-20th century.

This early 1700s French architectural has been beautifully painted and gilded. There is a shaped outline with feathered acanthus leaves at the top a...

This panel is lavishly lacquered with gilt decoration. The lotus bud-form finial at the center is the Buddhist symbol for enlightenment. It is surrounded by radiating geometric desig...

A carved wood fragment of a boiserie panel with a new backing panel