Early 19th Century French Neo-Gothic Carved Polychrome Gilt Wood Religious Cathedral Church Tabernacle Altarpiece

Details

Description

A magnificent French Gothic parcel gilt paint decorated church tabernacle. circa 1810

France, early 19th century, executed in period Gothic … Read more A magnificent French Gothic parcel gilt paint decorated church tabernacle. circa 1810

France, early 19th century, executed in period Gothic Revival taste, featuring a large solid wood architectural steepled cathedral form case, with central archway framing a gilded pointed arch cabinet door embellished with painted faux cabochons and central flaming torch Sacred Heart pierced by a lance relief carving, opening to reveal spacious interior Eucharist sacrament house compartment lined with worn traditional white jacquard silk.

A superb example of both ecclesiastical Gothic architecture and Neo-Gothic architecture, this important religious object showcases high quality hand carved and painted craftsmanship throughout, having an ornate building exterior featuring various Gothic architecture design elements and characteristics, including a most impressive and awe inspiring imposing form, decorative patterns, pointed arches, elaborate finials, hood moulds, faux tall narrow stained glass and lancet windows, and iconic quatrefoil and tracery motifs, along with traditional turned giltwood corinthian capital columns, sculpted acanthus leaf ornamentation, gessoed polychromed, brillant gold leaf gilding, and marbleized finish, all raised on stepped platform with faux rouge marble floor base and intricate relief carved gilded foliate frieze. Retaining remnants of an old partially illegible adhesive paper label that reads "ANGERS" (France) to plank boarded verso, likely property collection tag or shipping tag.

Dimensions: (approx)
35.5" Tall, 34.5" Wide, 15.5" Deep

Provenance / Acquisition:
Acquired from the highly reputable auction house Austin Auction Gallery, est.1983, Austin, Texas. Fine Fall October 2025 Antiques & Estates Auction catalog, lot #3340

History:
This piece was almost certainly commissioned by the Catholic church, then once installed it would have been considered one of the most important objects inside the church it resided. Typically salvaged from churches damaged in WWI and WWII, they then found there way into private collections.

The Gothic style first appeared in the early 12th century in northern France and rapidly spread beyond its origins in architecture to sculpture, textiles and painting, including frescoes, stained glass and illuminated manuscripts. This sophisticated new design style combined a detailed observation of nature with an expressive elegance. Gothic was quickly adopted throughout Europe, with versions of the style still visible in the 16th century.

Later having a resurgence, Gothic Revival (also referred to as Victorian Gothic or neo-Gothic) is an architectural movement that after a gradual build-up beginning in the second half of the 17th century became a widespread movement in the first half of the 19th century, mostly in England. Increasingly serious and learned admirers sought to revive medieval Gothic architecture, intending to complement or even supersede the neoclassical styles prevalent at the time. Gothic revival style drew upon early medieval renaissance style of the middle ages, neoclassical, and romanticism, with roots in Catholicism and the re-awakening of the High church. By the middle of the 19th century, Gothic Revival had spread across the Atlantic to the North American market, becoming the pre-eminent architectural style in the Western world, only to begin to fall out of fashion in the 1880s and early 1890s.
Gothic is a truly distinctive and evolved style that has spanned over many centuries, regions and eras. Perhaps most remarkable, it's works are still highly desirable and sought after, coveted by decorators, avid collectors, and museums collections around the world, a true testament to its innovation and design.

Condition:
A superb museum quality example, in overall great original unrestored antique condition. Presents well, with attractive appearance, retaining original patina, beautifully aged character, pastel warmth, and rich historical depth that can only be acquired over long periods of time!

Detailed Condition Report:
The structure stands strong, sturdy, stable, and structurally sound overall. Lock is unlocked with working key lost to time. The carved gilt and painted surfaces display typical age appropriate wear, with some scattered flaking, chippy paint loss, and exposed ground layers. Typical nicks, abrasions, accretions, stable age splits and fissures throughout. Original polychrome tones present with mellow natural fading, all mentioned expected with authentic antiques and commensurate with age, use, handling and display

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We here at Lynx Hollow Antiques absolutely love decorating with religious antiques! From important historical relics and objects, church altars, altarpiece, reredos, pulpit rail, prayer chair and kneeler to rare architectural salvaged elements, reliquary monstrance, crucifix, sculpture and statue, niche shrine ambry, Spanish Colonial Santos figure, Italian Roman Empire credence table, ritualistic liturgical liturgy to Christian art, trunk, oil on canvas painting and wall panel decor, Orthodox, Hindu temple life-size figural sculptures, Buddhist Buddha head statuary, and apprentice prototype model buildings, to primitive folk art retabalo icons and offering trays, vestment chest to this holy sculptural tabernacle cupboard, please be sure to checkout our other listings! See less