Pair of 19th Century Louis XV Style Overdoor Paintings from Italy

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.

Genre paintings, such as this outdoor scene on a board, depict people engaged in leisurely activities, such as picnicking, hunting, or walking through a park. They were popular durin...

This hand carved wooden overdoor dates to the early 1700s as shown by its main motif at the center. It is called a bat’s wing motif and was used on furniture during the Regence Period, 1700-1723. It is centered within a stylized cartouche, being held by two draped cherubs, one on either side. The shaped base is decorated with C-Scroll motifs. Overdoors were used most often in wooden paneled rooms...

Nature morte (French for “still life”) paintings first became popular in the Netherlands in the 16th century. Assemblies of flowers, fruit, and dead game were the main subject matters, and hundreds of artists from Western Europe would eventually participate in the genre. French artists such as Jean-Baptiste Oudry painted some exquisite scenes, depictions of hunt motifs including game and dogs. These subjects remained highly popular and were used in hunt lodges throughout France. The pair of paintings seen here are very well done 19th century examples of such hunt scenes, each one measuring over 57 inches wide. Both of our paintings depict hunting trophies displayed on an outdoor veranda. The balcony is elaborately styled with cavetto molding, volute scrolls, and a shaped cartouche beneath a bulbous gadrooned finial. Both paintings contain half of the cartouche and most of the finial, as if they were a continuous panoramic scene, complete with a blue sky and large trees in the background The left painting features three felled birds piled on top of a deer carcass, with fruit scattered around them. Beneath the trophies is a coiled horn with a red tassel tied to it. A similar scene can be found on the right painting, with three birds displayed on the edge of the balcony. The birds lie on top of a pale green fabric with tassels that has been loosely folded. Under the textile is a hunting rifle and another horn. A garland of fruit is draped across the rifle’s stock, rising onto the balcony. A beige fabric matte board and molded giltwood frame surround this pair of 19th century nature morte hunt trophy...

Dating to circa 1875, this giltwood barometer and cartel set were hand-carved in France in the style of Louis XVI. The pieces are identically carved, with the highlight being a stunning display of a detailed woven basket, brimming with an array of vibrant flowers, perched gracefully atop a fluted entablature adorned with a scalloped leaf motif. A fluted neck is enveloped in beading that gracefully descends to the convex clock...

This colorful and gleeful genre painting is from France, circa 1770. Genre paintings depict people engaged in common activities, such as picnicking, strolling through a park, or romantic settings. In the 17th and 18th centuries, paintings of this style typically came from France, The Netherlands, and Belgium. This particular painting can be considered to be after Nicolas Lancret...

Louie XV style giltwood Italian barometer. Sculpted with foliage, ribbons, and a violin. 'Made In Italy' stamped on reverse side. Makes a statement on any wall.

Pair of French Louis XV style gilt framed oval oil paintings portraits of 18th Century ladies (18/19th century).  

Rare and beautiful antique French carved parcel-gilt and painted boiseries panel with oil painting on board, once part of an entire boiseries (French wooden paneled room...

Fabulous large 19 century Spanish painting portrait of a flower girl. The canvas is laid on Masonite. Meticulous attention has been given to every...

An early 19th century French Louis XV style trumeau mirror with a fine oil painting depicting a pastoral courtship scene. Painted pine fr...

Large German painted porcelain plaque of madonna & child, 19th century. The large oval plaque is possibly artist signed by "FR Hill Dresden" to the lower edge. Mounted to a large ...