19th Century French Renaissance Revival Walnut Buffet

Details

Description

19th Century French Renaissance Revival Walnut Buffet is a masterpiece of the artisans around the environs of Paris who strove … Read more 19th Century French Renaissance Revival Walnut Buffet is a masterpiece of the artisans around the environs of Paris who strove to follow the trends set by the court, in this instance Napoleon III. Here we see the stylized, Italianate expression of the High Renaissance, executed in sumptuous French walnut and in the process creating a truly superlative example of the furniture maker's art! Even though the piece is almost eight feet in width, its generously rounded sides soften the impact on the traffic pattern of the room, resulting in the effect of a smaller piece. The beveled top in solid walnut planks follows the complex contour of the casework below, as does the bold multi-tiered base molding below. Just under the top is a tier of four drawers, each heavily gadrooned and framed with pyramidal plinth blocks that also are situated above the twin pilasters that frame the main cabinet doors below. Each cabinet door, including the two rounded side doors, is resplendent with bold heraldic crests centered with an egg form, and set in oval molded frameworks, all in the Italian style. Each door is also hung with outboard brass hinges with finials and brass key guards for a nice visual touch. Large bun feet provide support.
Circa 1870s
Measures 40.5H x 90.5W x 21D See less