Portuguese 18th Century Polychrome Parcel Gilt Altar

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A fantastic oratory or tabletop altar from 18th century Portugal, made of carved, painted, and parcel gilt wood taking the … Read more A fantastic oratory or tabletop altar from 18th century Portugal, made of carved, painted, and parcel gilt wood taking the form of a small cabinet (where religious statuary would be enshrined). The niche interior is painted a leafy shade of green, framed by an arched doorway flanked on the sides by scrolling corbels which continue down the sides as floral-foliate carvings in high-relief. Dark, angular molding that wraps the chamfered corners of the crown and the stepped base appears reddish brown now, with traces of the original gilding. The left and right sides of the case are decorated in a faux marble finish of implied veining which underscores that this altar is a unique work of art by its own merits. Recreate your own sacred space with this handmade shrine, for regular devotion, reflection, or simply to showcase a personally meaningful object. Please view the detailed images to see the current condition. See less