19th Century Country French Armoire From Normandie

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19th Century Country French Armoire from Normandie is a sterling example of the master craftsmanship from the provinces of France, … Read more 19th Century Country French Armoire from Normandie is a sterling example of the master craftsmanship from the provinces of France, where talented artisans utilized time-honored techniques and skills handed down through the generations to produce works of the cabinetmaker's art with what are considered relatively primitive tools by today's standards. This example features a bold hand-carved crown molding presiding over the capacious casework below, fitted with four shelves for five surfaces within, but easily converted for TV or hanging clothes. The center stile is also attached to the left door so when both are opened it presents an unobstructed view of the interior. Each door is also hung on three barrel hinges mounted outboard so the doors swing wide and out of the way should one want a TV inside. What's most amazing though is the artistic sculpture that adorns the entire facade. One immediately notices the basket of flowers in bold full relief centered on the bonnet, flanked with sprays of wildflowers extending all the way to the rounded cornerposts, also carved with vertical sprays of flowers both above and below. The undulating apron with bold French scrollwork features stylized shell, foliate and floral carvings. The doors, however, are the pieces de resistance! Rendered in glorious relief, the frameworks around the sculpted panels depict stylized shell, floral and foliates in a wondrous display of artistry at the top, middle and bottom, separated only visually by the aforementioned stile which features its own special treatment of the same genre, interpreted on a beautifully rendered vertical basis. A pair of steel key guards rounds out the entire facade. Note the hand-hewn plank and frame backing with pegged mortise and tenon joinery, all signs of superior craftsmanship.
Circa early 1800s
Measures 90.5H x 63W x 23.5D See less