19th Century French Renaissance Revival Cabinet with Ornamental Figural Carvings

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...

Enhance the elegance of any room with this exquisite pair of 19th-century French Rococo Revival sconces. Crafted from finely cast bronze, these sconces feature ornate detailing, incl...

This Early 19th Century English Regency Greek Revival Calamander and Jasperware Cabinet with Ivory Stringing is a testament to the era's dedication to craftsmanship and historical re...

Invented Circa 1850, the precursor to the modern recliner was initially designed for its versatility: early models could serve as a chair, a bed, and a chaise lounge. This innovation quickly gained popularity for combining comfort with luxury. Napoleon III, the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte and Emperor of the French, reportedly owned one of the first recliners. This model, constructed in neighboring England during the same era, may even resemble the French monarch’s reclinable chair. Intended for an English drawing room or parlor, this beautiful piece features elegant jacquard upholstery and turned legs. The backrest can extend almost one-hundred-eight degrees from an upright position, facilitated by a graceful manual mechanism similar to the ratcheting recline...

19th century Dutch hand carved Renaissance raised cabinet was rendered from dense, old-growth quarter sawn oak, examples of which are on displa...

Early 19th century French renaissance revival hand carved walnut with marble inserted reserve display wall cabinet. The cabine...

19th Century French Renaissance Revival Corner Cabinet represents a glorification of nature and the beauty all around us which at the time was fervently attributed to our creator. T...

19th Century French Renaissance Revival Corner Cabinet ~ Confiturier is a splendid choice to decorate an otherwise unused corner, and do it with style and flair! The raised shelf is...