Gothic Furniture

The Windsor chair at its most elaborate and fine, the Gothic Windsor of yew wood and elm, circa 1760. England. It is, without doubt, the most sophisticated and elegant of all Windsor chairs and can be described as quintessentially English country furniture...

Curious pair of andirons in patinated bronze and iron, in the Gothic style, with spooky animal heads and dragons Period 19th century Measures: Height 73 cm 62 x 35cm.

Hand forged 17th century French andirons made of wrought iron. The style of the andirons is Gothic. The tops of the andirons have the shape of a bulls head. The andirons have spit ho...

This fine amber sculpture depicting Jesus Christ is a very rare object. Exemples of this sort can only be found in Germanic countries. Already used during Prehistoric times, amber have always fascinated people. Because of the virtues associated with this material amber was carved as amulets and prophylactic ornaments. As an expression of luxury and means amber was also used for adornments and small figures collected by the upper classes. This fossilized resin was picked on the Baltic Sea shores and soon entered a intense trade system. From the 14th century onwards knights of the Teutonic Order...

Provenance : - Kunsthaus Heinrich Hahn, Frankfurt am Main, sale 16, June 17, 1930, lot 16. - Sotheby's, Amsterdam, Feb. 26, 2006, lot 201. HISTORIC Located between Moselle valley and Meuse valley, framed by the Vosges Mountains on the south side and the duchy of Luxembourg on the north side, the duchy of Lorraine is the result of several partitions. It starts with the 9th century when the Carolingian empire is divided, with Lothar 1st inheriting Lotharingia. In 959 this territory was in turn divided in two; Lower and Upper Lotharingia, the latter being the forebear of the duchy of Lorraine. This duchy was under the rule of the Holy Roman Germanic Empire until 1736 when it was absorbed by the kingdom of France. All along its history the duchy of Lorraine has found itself in the midst of many conflicts. Alliances and feuds marking European history were always particularly sensible in Lorraine where instability was frequent. Because of its geographic position the duchy of Lorraine was also an artistic crossroad. Hence the duchy of Lorraine becomes from the 13th century onwards an important artistic centre where a particular type of Virgin and Child appears. According to professor J. A. Schmoll the characteristics of Lorraine sculpture burgeon around 1280-1300 in the Aube region. It presents “vigorous volumes, restrained movements, rare but solemn gestures and a strong interiorised and stern expression”. Those Virgins look similar with a wide forehead, a shield- or oval-shaped face, large neck, small lips and a cleft chin. This model is particularly in favour during the 13th century because of the revival for Marial worship and for the theme of the Virgin and Child. It bears witness to a new religious sensibility with a more intimate vision of religious practice. DESCRIPTION The important 14th century Virgin we present to you is one of the most beautiful examples of sculptural art from Eastern France, with her fascinating distant gaze. Her contrapposto posture is induced by the weight of the child she carries high on her left side. The child has a chubby face framed by blond hair with well defined curls and he wears a long red V-collared tunic from which emerge his feet. The fabric is animated by long folds. The position of the right foot turned to the back is a detail we can notice on several Virgins from Lorraine. He holds a bird that seems to be pecking his thumb. “The bird /held by the child in his hands/ has been read as a reference to an episode from Christ’s childhood when he has moulded sparrows with clay before giving them life. It appears in the apocryphal gospel of Pseudo-Matthew (ch. 27) and later in the Quran (III, 43, v. 110). However the iconography seems to be more influenced by the concept of Redemption or of Eucharist, the bird symbolising the soul of the Christian about to be redeemed or revitalised.” Mary wears a long dress with two rock crystal cabochons remaining from the original five. She is covered by a red cloak enriched with old-gold motifs draped as an apron falling in long pleats along her left hip. The relief treatment and the volume of the cloak developing a network of concentric pleats contrast with the the flat pleating of her dress. They nevertheless suggest the curve of her bent right leg. She wears a floret crown securing a short thin veil carved in very low relief. From it emerges her blond curled hair characteristic of the 13th century. The large face with almond-shaped eyes, straight nose, small lips and cleft chin casts its gaze afar in a fashion typical of 13th century Virgins. In her right hand she holds a lily flower. In a very refined manner the artist has carved a band on her right ring-finger. In the back, carefully sculpted, spreads the minutely detailed short veil. COMPARATIVE STUDIES This sculpture of great quality presents obvious similarities with Virgins from Lorraine, designated by William Forsythe...

This wood Christ bears signs of time without diminishing its grace nor its interest. This Christ presents some characteristic of the previous century. While the feet are missing the position of his legs, parallel one to the other, let us think his feet where placed side by side as in the 12th century’s crucifix. The remains of his perizonium let us guess the cloth was very short, displaying the knees and a part of the thighs. The figure is straight, the arms horizontal, the hands open -with tha palm then pierced by nails- and the thumbs parallel to the other fingers as in most of the 12th century’s Christ on...

17th century French andirons made of wrought iron. The style of the andirons is gothic. The andirons have spit hooks to grill food. They are in a good condition.

A stunning antique Victorian Gothic brass floral motif fire companion set. The superb set is solid brass, with beautiful floral motifs. The spade is engraved with floral design, matc...

While the birth of Christ is briefly told in the Gospel of Luke (2, 7) it is in the apocryphal texts that we find most of the elements and details that have then inspired artists. As of the 14th century and even more of the 15th century the subject of the Adoration of the Child replaces in Western art the scene of the Birth, much favoured in Byzantine art. Instead of being depicted lying with the new-born swathed in the manger, the Virgin is now kneeling, her hands joined in prayer in front of the naked child. This change was probably hastened by the popularity of the visions of Saint Bridget of Sweden to whom the Virgin allegedly appeared to show how she had given birth to Jesus (Visions, VII, chap. 21). Sheltered by a thatch-roofed structure the Virgin is kneeling in front of the Child Jesus. She wears a magnificent red dress under a large gold cloak. Her curled blond hair is partially veiled. The newborn is lying on a straw mat. Joseph is depicted with a parted beard and stands opposite from the Virgin. He wears a tunic and a coat with a purse hanging from the belt. His costume reminds us of the long journey him and Mary have accomplished to reach Bethlehem. Two other women are present. One is looking through the stable’s window to observe the Holy Family while another one kneels in prayer in front of the divine child. The rich costume of the lady might indicate she is a donator. However they could also both represent the women who took part in the birth of Christ, Zelemi and Salome. Salome, incredulous did not believe in the virginal conception of Mary and she is represented far from the scene. The artist has depicted her with an expression of doubt on her face. Zelemi, on the contrary, is a believer. She is rewarded by a place of honour at the heart of the scene, close to Mary. To the left the donkey and ox that have accompanied Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem observe quietly the scene. On the foreground two angels hold a scroll reading an excerpt from the Gloria : “/Gloria/ in excelsis /Deo/.” One of the angels wears a blue cape while the other’s is red Those two colours are very significant as during Middle-Ages blue symbolises hope and red charity. Together they express the hope in redemption thanks to the advent of Christ and his sacrifice to come. Above the main scene, up a cliff, a small shepherd lets his herd of sheep graze amidst the trees. He is framed by two walled cities. This wood carving is the work of a very skilled and inventive artist. The piece bears witness to his exceptional talent. The realism of the scene is emphasised by the amount of details depicted. The refinement of the carving itself is highlighted by the well preserved polychromy. This key moment of the New Testament is set in a contemporary context thanks to the clothes of the characters and the scenes of rural life. The universal dimension of the scene is intensified while allowing contemporary viewers to grasp its meaning more easily. This care for details, the picturesque realism as well as the extraordinary rendition of the cloths suggest it was made by a Flemish artist during the late 15th century. This relief can be compared with the panel of the Nativity from the Saint-Vaast altarpiece made by Jacques Daret between 1433 and 1435, today in Madrid’s Thyssen-Bronemisza Museum. Literature Louis Réau, Iconographie de l’Art chrétien...

Seating on a bench-like throne the Virgin carries her child on her left knee. She bears an important crown high on her head .The Virgin has an ovoid face with bulging eyes, straight long nose and thin lips. The hair parts in the middle and are carved as thick horizontals parallel hair strands...

Exhibition Museum Cantini, 1952, The art of the Middle Ages in the Marseille collections, n°101 Provenance Former collection Louis Bresset (before 1952) Former collection Profe...

The Saint depicted here is Saint James the Great. James is the brother of St. John the Evangelist. Nothing is known of his activities after the Ascension...

This large chest stands on high legs prolonging the lateral jambs. Presenting a sober and severe appearance the chest still belongs to the Medieval tradition. The piece is made from very high quality Hungarian wood. The jambs are joined to the facade and the lateral sides thanks to pegged mortise and tenon securing a great stability and squareness between each parts. The upper lid is made of two joined parts and so is the facade. The ironwork is present all over the surface of the chest and brings both an additional stability to the construction as well as a rich decor. The lid is secured with hinges. Hinges also run all over the chest in horizontal and vertical lines, ending in a floral motif. The hasp lock is also very ornamental. Those chests always present important proportions especially when they are made early in the period. This model was very popular in Germany and stayed in vogue until the 16th century. However the feet Gothic decor...

A large English Bath stone fireplace in the Gothic style, with arched opening and moulded shelf. Modern. Measures: Shelf Width: 1850 mm 72 ?" Overall ...

A stunning antique Victorian Gothic brass fire companion set. The superb set is solid brass, with beautiful motifs and design. The spade is engraved...

Small carved oak chest or shoe box coffer The chest has 2 carved panels to the front and and decorative nailed and scalloped corners, inside is clean and it has blacksmith made hinges This small oak...

Heavy folding wrought iron fire guard for inglenook fireplace This is a heavy folding fireguard, it would suit a traditional Inglenook fireplace or ...

This wood scultpure showing fine traces of polychromy depicts John the Baptist, one the Old Testament’s last prophets and the first martyr of the New Testament. He is easily recognizable with the lamb he is carrying in his left hand. The way the artist has carved the face exudes a spiritual strenght inherited from previous centuries. Description Saint John the Baptist is depicted bare feet, seated in a hieratic manner. His elongated face is marked by a beard and a moustache. The straight nose and wide eyes indicate a Spanish origin. This asumption is reaffirmed by the Saint’s resigned expression. His parted hair frames his face while uncovering his ears. He wears a round collar red-orange tunic, draped onto the body and belted at the waist. A flap of his green coat covers his knees and falls down in stylized pleats. Following iconographic rules Saint John the Baptist is pointing with his right hand the lamb seated...

This face with prominent eyes, open mouth and beautiful hairs with symetrical undulations may be the face of the Archangel Gabriel.  

Wrought iron floor lamp with 7 lights. French. Circa 1940.

French carved oak column display pedestal The pedestal is square in shape, the top has a 14” x 17” plinth so it is ideal to display a large ornament or similar The front and sid...

Bronze candlestick. Century XVI. Polished bronze candlestick with a wide circular base from which arises a truncated cone axis opening into a smooth plat...

17th century French andirons made of wrought iron. The style of the andirons is gothic. The andirons have spit hooks to grill food. They are in a good condition.

15th century French Gothic fire grate. Made of beautifully cast iron as well as wrought iron. The total width of the front of the grate is 66.5 cm (2...

17th century Dutch Gothic fire grate. Made of beautifully forged wrought iron. The fire grate has a natural brown patina. Upon request it can be made...

This carved oak woodwork was probably placed on the facade of the house, close to the roofing framework of a Norman house. The sculptor had depicted the salamender frontview in a sty...

A wooden cross from the 1950s. Dimensions: height 170 cm / width 75 cm / depth 20 cm.  

16th-17th century German Gothic fireback with a religious theme. The fireback is made of cast iron and has a natural brown patina. Upon request it can be made black / pewter. The con...

A pair of antique Gothic console tables and mirrors from Manchester Town Hall, dated 1920s. This impressive and large pair have come from The Manchester Town Hall, a Victorian, Neo-Gothic municipal building in Manchester, England. The console tables and mirrors Stand at an astonishing 10.6 feet tall (127 inches) and over 4.7 feet wide (56 inches). The tables are finely hand carved, with the knees as heads of dogs and acanthus decor and follows throughout the legs with acanthus and grape vine fruits. The Gothic style is kept throughout with beautifully crafted clover leaf centres in the legs with a large clover at the top and smaller clover at the base. The feet are carved as paws covered in acanthus design for the appearance of fur. The aprons of the consult tables are carved in floral manor and flow onto a drop leaf which stretches to the floor. The tall and stunning hand carved mirrors deliver an astonishing view from afar with floral edges and Gothic pediments on either side and offer impeccable matching design. Designed by architect Alfred Waterhouse...

A wooden cross from the 1950s. Dimensions: height 85 cm / width 40 cm / depth 15 cm.

An early Victorian carved stone fireplace in the Gothic style. The arched frieze with carved spandrels featuring fruit and foliage. Heavily moul...

A pair of turned and carved oak column pedestals. Salvaged from a church in Portsmouth. There are up to three pairs available, please ask for more details. Additional Dimensions: ...

An unusual English antique coal box. This antique coal box/scuttle is made in steel and dates from around 1900. The coal box is very well made and is ...

We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely suite of four steeple back oak dining chairs in the Pugin manor A truly sublime suite of ornately carved dining chairs, they look pure quality from all angles. Clearly base on the gothic originals...

A very rare chest that was completely made of solid oak from the Netherlands middle ages. It is a joined chest with hand carved geometric gothic front panels. The ornaments used are typical Gothic ornaments such as trefoil, mouchette, and trace. This diminutive chest was probably made in the 15th century Netherlands. It has the typical construction of very early European furniture as is also seen on the German Stollentruhe. The chest has only a small lid with forged hinges...

Mid 20th century pair of weathered cast stone garden planters A good pair of 20th century planters, they are well weathered and have a drainage hole in the centre In good sound c...

Blacksmith made Gothic wrought iron floor lamp This is a very unusual Gothic Wrought Iron Floor Lamp the Stand is blacksmith made, it stands on 4 feet and takes a 2” diameter wa...

Stunning firescreen with a famous earth angle, two famous saint paintings and more. With meaningful 'religious art' from centuries-past being one of our specialities we were amazed, not only to find this rare and marvelous fire screen, but also because of its excellent condition. But then again, we think we see that more often, because true beauty, quality and meaningful antiques radiate something that was already there when it was created. This 'something' commands respect and this is why most people take very good care of very special pieces. Since much of what we know now about Christianity and about monastic life in its various 'forms' was given shape since the life of Christ, but possibly mostly so in Gothic / Medieval times, much of this is expressed in European Gothic Art of the past circa 8 centuries. This rare and beautiful fire screen from the early 1800s, which can also be used as a small room divider or a unique work of (decorative) art, is one of those unique Gothic antiques. The hand-carved knight sculptures are 'fun' and meaningful at the same time, because one of them looks a little desperate and the other looks more at piece and in prayer. The hand-carved winged angel in the middle/ on top seems to be overlooking this 'Gesamtkunstwerk'. What makes this antique really stand out and what also makes it complete are the three hand-painted panels inside this screen. Each of the figures portrayed here have dedicated their lifes to doing good, giving love and hope and thus healing people. In the centre is a glorious painting (in medieval style) of Earth Angel St. Raphael and the boy Tobias. The lady Saint on the right, we feel, is Elizabeth of Hungary (1207-1231) and the Saint on the left, we feel, is either Francis de Sales...

Beautiful and rare Gothic Revival treasure box with bronze handle. If you are a collector of antique boxes and/or if you are looking for an extraordinary jewelry box to grace your credenza or side table then this unique and top quality made specimen in the Gothic style could be perfect. Gothic Revival boxes are very hard to find and we have never seen one with such prodigious carvings on all sides. The unique and cat-like dragon gargoyles (with fangs) that look like they are carrying this casket, are just some of the stunningly carved and detailed sculptures that make this antique rarity even more artistic and impressive. Another great feature are the peacock sculptures. In Christianity the peacock is the symbol of purity. Christians believe that once someone has passed their soul rises and goes to heaven. This is why in earlier times Christians would spread the feathers of a peacock over the deceased since it symbolized a pure soul that was immune to corruption. The peacock also represents immortality, resurrection, and the spiritual teachings of Jesus Christ and the Christian church. Have you also noticed the top quality details on both ends of the bronze handle on top? The quality of that ornamental work is of the absolute highest standard also. There are many more incredibly beautiful, hand carved details and together they show that no expense was spared to create one of the most amazing Gothic caskets...

Very large early 19th century French fire grate set on iron andirons This is a very large fire grate set on tall bowl Andirons, they are Blacksmith...

A 19th century set of Gothic Style fire tools handmade with decorative weaved handles. On original gothic stand, complete with fire tongs, shovel, brush and poker.  

Heavily turned oak floor standing lamp This is an attractive piece in style of a Corinthian column with a stepped base and acanthus carvings at...

Wall chandeliers in Gothic style.  

Great pair of 19th century candleholders. If you are looking for a stylish and small pair of church candle holders to create a special atmospher...

19th century carved paneled oak coffer This is a lovely old piece, with a good patina, the chest has three moulded panels on the front a...

French Gothic wrought iron manor house fire tool companion set The stand is very large and heavy, it dates from the early 19th century and comes from a Brittany Manor House Thi...

17th century French andirons made of wrought iron. The style of the andirons is gothic. The andirons have spit hooks to grill food. They are in a good condition.

2 Neo Gothic style oak stools, circa 1950.

A delicate cast iron firegrate in the neo-Gothic taste. The shaped paw feet with four leaf clover motif above. The cast iron back plate with nicely cas...

19th century crucifix or corpus Christi made from wood. Wooden cross with a nice patina and an exquisite shape. This item depicts the Christ in his last agony on the cross, after be...

Rare and impressive work of Gothic art pottery. This most skillfully created and highly decorative work of Gothic art is very rare and of a great size. The impressive floral decor o...

A small Gothic style wrought iron firegrate. The turned feet surmounted by shaped front bars and finials. Shaped cast iron fireback behind with scrollwork behind. English, 20th centu...

A 19th century cast iron hob grate in the Gothic style. The burning area with rosette pattern and cast spandrels below. Decorative wreath motif to back. English, 19th century. Width...

A polished steel firegrate in the neo-Gothic style. The horseshoe feet surmounted by straight shafts and acorn finials. Decorative cast iron back behind. English, circa 1900. Measu...

We are delighted to offer for sale this rather interesting metal workers sexy Gothic dungeon throne armchair Well, where to begin, what an interestin...

Beautiful 17th century French Gothic andirons made of wrought iron. The tops of the andirons have the shape of bull heads, which is characteristic for this type of andirons. In Franc...

A large and imposing 19th century English polished steel firegrate with a Gothic influence. The turned cylindrical feet surmounted by elegant ball finials with teardrop tops, large b...

A good quality English hob grate in the Gothic taste. The shaped front area with Greek key fret below. Half polish finish. Width At Front: 770 mm 30 ⅜"...