Pair of Regency Period Greek Revival Cabinets

From the 1700s through the early 1800s, European aristocrats developed a fascination with ancient Egyptian culture and design that culminated in a full Egyptian Revival. Prominent figures such as Marie Antoinette and Napoleon Bonaparte commissioned rooms decorated with Egyptian motifs. This cultural moment reflects a fascination with a sophisticated civilization of great artists and pharaohs. The Regency era possessed very little knowledge of the Great Pyramids or hieroglyphics, a quality that lent Egyptian art interpretation a compelling air of mystique. This English Regency period gilt carving depicts a popular figure of borrowed Egyptian motif: the Sphinx. Recognized among educated circles as a symbol of brilliance in the ancient past, the Sphinx was well-known as a mythological creature who destroys those who failed to answer her riddle. Such a piece as this, excellent in detail and craftsmanship, may have once graced the mantle of a gentleman’s study or been exchanged as a gift between British scholars. The beautiful gold surface has been achieved by an artful combination of gilt and gesso; the art enthusiast will appreciate the intricate texture realized in the carving’s hair and tail as well as the delicate detailing of the saddle. Borrowing from the Egyptians, the Greeks had their own interpretation of the Sphinx. Greek mythology chronicled the Sphinx as being the daughter of Orthous and Chimera or Laius and attributed the riddles, which she proposed, as having been taught to her by the Muses. Crowned with a Grecian diadem and having a refined expression, she evokes an ancient yet reserved intellect. For the modern-day enthusiast of classical Greek art...

A fine example of French craftsmanship from the Napoleon III era, this black lacquer and brass display cabinet, circa 1870, exudes elegance and sophistication. The vitrine features t...

A fine example of French craftsmanship from the Napoleon III era, this black lacquer and brass display cabinet, circa 1870, exudes elegance and sophistication. The upper cabinet feat...

This Circa 1925, Italian bench was crafted in the early part of the twentieth century in the Florence workshop of P. Mazzetti. Incised maker's mark, item number, and artisan initials appear on the left corner of the rear base: "P. Mazzetti, Terre Cotta, Via Arentina 3E, Riproduzione Interdetta 345 Firenze". Beautifully molded Plaster of Paris sphinx statues support...

Pair of walnut Renaissance Revival cabinets from a convent in Lucca, Italy. Hand painted interior of top section.

A pair of oak aesthetic period bedside cabinets the square top to the short frieze drawer fitted with brass handle. Above large panelled door opening to reveal fully fitted interiors...

A fine quality pair of early 19th century Regency period rosewood 2-door cabinets, boxwood and ebony strung throughout, with satinwood banded and spindle turned upper parts having sh...

A pair of English 19th century Regency Period flamed mahogany and ormolu cabinets. Each cabinet is raised on two richly chase ormolu paw feet. At the frieze is charming inlaid kingwo...