19th Century French Gothic Revival Carved Oak Cabinet

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19th Century French Gothic Revival Carved Oak Cabinet Cupboard C.1880

A magnificent and exceptionally decorative late 19th century French Gothic … Read more 19th Century French Gothic Revival Carved Oak Cabinet Cupboard C.1880

A magnificent and exceptionally decorative late 19th century French Gothic Revival carved oak cabinet, circa 1880. Of tall architectural proportions, the cabinet is profusely hand carved throughout with Gothic tracery, quatrefoil and foliate ornament, the imposing moulded cornice enriched with deep scrolling foliage above a pair of panelled cupboard doors. Each door is inset with four wonderfully detailed Gothic tracery panels, framed by further carved ornament and flanked by slender turned and carved columns, giving the piece the appearance of a miniature piece of Gothic architecture. The cupboard doors retain their particularly attractive long pierced brass escutcheons and open to reveal useful storage, with two substantial drawers positioned beneath. Their deeply carved fronts feature bold repeating circular and foliate motifs, while a wonderfully theatrical carved winged mask ornaments the centre immediately below the doors. Even the sides have been extensively decorated with carved Gothic panels, demonstrating both the quality of the cabinet and the considerable amount of work involved in its manufacture. The cabinet retains a wonderfully rich, dark colour and aged patina, with the expected minor marks, knocks and historic imperfections associated with a substantial piece approaching 150 years of age. Of particular interest are the surviving French railway luggage labels to the rear, including Petite Vitesse and Gare Expéditrice, wonderful remnants of the cabinet's history and movement through France. An enormously characterful piece of French Gothic Revival furniture and a superb statement cabinet for a period or contemporary interior.

Dimensions Height: 196cm Width: 86.5cm Depth: 51cm See less