Pair of Polychrome Terra Cotta Architecturals or Wall Consoles, France, C. 1850

Details

Description

Recently discovered in a secluded private chapel nestled within the enchanting Loire Valley in central France, this remarkable pair of … Read more Recently discovered in a secluded private chapel nestled within the enchanting Loire Valley in central France, this remarkable pair of mid-19th century polychrome terra cotta architecturals or wall consoles were made in the Gothic-style marquees. The beige earthenware capitals have some magnificent pastel-colored accents, further accentuated by golden details.

Perhaps the most striking color is the gentle shade of blue that festoons the upper scalloped canopy, brilliantly offset by an ornate ring of meticulously painted foliage. Below this, vertical fluting descends gracefully, culminating in triangular finials, each gilded to perfection. A pink molding, adorned with intricate gold foliate motifs, gracefully spans the space between three proportioned arcades. This architecture features Gothic-style tracery and are crowned by acanthus cups brimming with clusters of golden grapes. Additional Gothic-inspired details grace a lower ring, infilled with regal red and outlined with radiant gold accents. The semi-circular base of these chapiteaux boasts three protruding sections, resplendent in a soothing shade of green, adorned once again with golden leaves, creating a harmonious visual symphony of colors and motifs.

These polychrome terra cotta architecturals, steeped in history and brimming with artistic finesse, offer a versatile display opportunity. They can be proudly showcased as capitals, where their intricate details can be appreciated up close, transformed into table lamps, or ingeniously inverted to create a pair of elegant hanging wall consoles. Whether admired for their historical significance or cherished for their aesthetic beauty, these chapiteaux are a wonderful find, allowing a future owner to create a unique decor in a variety of ways.

Each terra cotta weighs 48 lbs. See less