Pair of Late 19th C. French Carved Oak Monks With Goblets, Black Forest Style

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Carved in France circa 1890, this expressive pair of antique oak monk figures blends Gallic charm with the rustic spirit … Read more Carved in France circa 1890, this expressive pair of antique oak monk figures blends Gallic charm with the rustic spirit of the Black Forest tradition. Each cheerful friar is shown mid-toast, raising a goblet in one hand while holding a tankard in the other. Their carved robes are belted with rope, detailed with dangling keys, and their rounded faces are animated with humorous expressions and spectacles.
Hand-carved from solid oak, the figures display pronounced chisel work and a deeply textured surface, highlighting their artisanal origins. The robust forms and stylized gestures reflect the 19th-century taste for figural wood sculpture that celebrated both religious life and regional folklore.
Each measures approximately 9 inches wide by 5.5 inches deep and 20 inches high. In excellent antique condition with a rich patina and light wear from age, these monks make a distinctive decorative pair, ideal for a wine cellar, study, or traditional French country interior See less