18th Century Country French Armoire From Normandie

Description

18th Century Country French Armoire from Normandie is a stunning study in whimsical naturalism, executed in old-growth indigenous oak by … more 18th Century Country French Armoire from Normandie is a stunning study in whimsical naturalism, executed in old-growth indigenous oak by the master artisans of the storied region! A multi-tiered, broad crown presides over the casework, with finely carved molded detail. The bonnet initiates the artistry, with a basket of flowers taking center stage, flanked by undulating floral and foliate sprays emanating out to the corners. The same design also extends down part way on the stile, with a mirrored series reaching up from the bottom of the stile. The doors are classic works of art, with French scrolls defining the large chamfered panels, with the upper and lower frameworks lavished with complementary floral and foliate sprays, accented with acanthus plumes. Each door is a mirror of the other, and is mounted with large, engraved brass key guards, and hung with three large brass hinges set outboard to allow the doors to open as wide as possible. (As a side note, the six hinges still possess their twelve hinge finials which speaks to the incredible care taken with this piece over the last two hundred years.) Not to be outdone, the apron below features a bold scrolled design festooned with a large concentric floral rosette at the center flanked by floral and foliate carvings that match the bonnet above. The doors open to reveal four surfaces and three full width shelves, making it as functional and conducive to organization on the inside, as it is beautiful on the outside. Note also the hand-hewn plank backing, along with the pegged mortise & tenon joinery, all hand-crafted to literally last for centuries!
Circa 1790s
Measures 83H x 65.5W x 25D less