19th Century French Renaissance Revival Carved Buffet

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19th‑century French Renaissance Revival buffet in solid oak showcases the elaborate Neo‑Renaissance carving popular under Napoleon III and into the … Read more 19th‑century French Renaissance Revival buffet in solid oak showcases the elaborate Neo‑Renaissance carving popular under Napoleon III and into the early Third Republic. Handsome and architectural in presence, the piece is richly carved in the Renaissance tradition with grotesque masks, scrolling acanthus, and stylized sea‑creature or fantastical‑beast motifs running across the frieze beneath the top.

The façade is organized as two large paneled doors, each with a raised central panel framed by an arched molding and delicate corner floral carvings, set above a scalloped apron and supported on block feet with carved toe details. Original warm dark‑brown patina to the oak shows age‑appropriate wear, with geometric brass‑stud accents outlining the upper rail and stiles for subtle decorative punctuation. One door retains its ornate brass escutcheon and working key, while the other shows honest loss and wear around the keyhole from long use, a detail consistent with an authentic 19th‑century cabinet.

A rectangular top with softly rounded front edge provides a generous serving or display surface, and the fully paneled case sides reflect quality solid‑oak construction rather than veneer. Inside, upper drawers disguised within the carved frieze and shelving behind the doors offer practical storage for tableware, linens, or bar service, making the buffet as useful as it is decorative.

Solid oak throughout, pegged joinery, and crisp hand‑carved ornament indicate fine French cabinetmaking of the late 1800s rather than later reproduction, with lion‑type masks, foliate scrolls, fantastical beasts, and brass‑stud borders all characteristic of Henri II / Neo‑Renaissance furniture. Measuring approximately 59ʺ wide × 22ʺ deep × 42ʺ high, this versatile buffet is perfectly scaled for use as a dining‑room server, living‑room sideboard, or statement entry console.

France, Circa 1870's

Dimensions: 22" D x 59" W x 42" H See less