19th Century Country French Normandie Armoire in Stripped Oak

Description

19th Century Country French Normandie Armoire in Stripped Oak is a splendid testament to the incredible talents of the artisans … more 19th Century Country French Normandie Armoire in Stripped Oak is a splendid testament to the incredible talents of the artisans of the storied region in northern France, from which William the Conquerer hailed. This example was rendered entirely from hand-select, dense, old-growth French white oak, and features a classic architecture melded with the extraordinary hand-carved detailing for which the area is world-renowned. Beginning with the crown, there are no less than five distinct molding tiers, all hand-carved, with the crown overlooking the entire casework below. In front, the bonnet is lavished with scrolled foliate and wildflowers in bas relief, bordered by beading on top and spiral ribbon below, a trim that continues down both sides and as a double row on the center stile. Centered on the bonnet is a magnificent Romanesque urn bursting with fresh flowers and foliage, projecting boldly outward from the relief carving behind it. The two doors underneath, which are each hung with triple brass barrel hinges, are also fitted with engraved brass, highly decorative oversized key guards. The carved detail, however, overshadows the metalwork! Each door consists of an upper and lower raised panel outlined in egg & dart, with a transverse scrolled divider lavished with amazing relief carvings of grape clusters on the vine and another floral display in a basket. At the tops of the doors appear bold acanthus leaves projecting outwards, flanked by bas relief that matches the bonnet just above. The center aforementioned stile, which is attached to the left door for unencumbered access, also features carved corbels above and below, with the lower appearing over a half-round pediment as part of the scrolled apron. The lower doors and apron also boast the same bas relief motif as the bonnet, with the addition of a drapery swag at the middle. Doors open wide to reveal a single shelf which can be re-positioned into other brackets, and a single brass hanging rod. Note the pegged mortise & tenon joinery present throughout the design, an indicator of the meticulous craftsmanship that ensures this piece will remain a family heirloom for generations to come!
Circa 1840s
Measures 91H x 58W x 21.5D
Available for pickup in Baton Rouge, LA. less