Items Similar to Hand Carved Wood Renaissance Period Armoire a Deux Corps or Buffet 1600s France

18th Century French Buffet Á Deux Corps Polychrome

Carved French Buffet Deux Corps

18thC French Provincial Carved Oak Buffet De Corps

19thc French Ebonised Buffet De Corps

French Renaissance Style Buffet a Deux Corps in Carved Walnut, circa 1880

Louis XV Period Buffet à Deux Corps

Want more images or videos?

Request additional images or videos from the seller

1 of 14

Hand Carved Wood Renaissance Period Armoire a Deux Corps or Buffet 1600s France

About the Item

Important intricately carved tall hand carved French walnut armoire a Deux corps four-door cabinet from France 17th century from the Renaissance period. The piece comes in three pieces which are detachable. The bottom, the top, and the crown. The cabinet sits atop a detached buffet bottom. On the front are intricately detailed allegorical figural carvings throughout of battle scenes, castles, floral foliage motifs and knights on the battlefield. It is typical of the Renaissance Period as it is configured in an architectural manner. And offers endless possibilities for modern use due to its large size. The entablature of the crown on top of the armoire is removable and sits just on top of the upper portion of the piece. This cornice overhang is wonderfully carved, but if desired, it can be easily used without. The top portion of the armoire sits just below the crown and on to the base. The upper portion is slightly shorter in-depth than the lower part of the armoire Deux corps which leaves a slight overhang. Meaning, this piece could potentially be used as a buffet or credenza. Sides are paneled. Two large heavy doors fold open to reveal all original shelving and drawers. The wonderful craftsmanship of this time period can be seen just by looking at the joints and original shelving. A rectangular floral carved frieze relief molding frames the outside of the main portion of the piece. With a similar molding frieze. Each door is framed with the same floral motif around the edges. An inset frame within the floral carved details, accentuate the scenes depicted in the center of the doors. Inside the beautifully carved frame, are scenes from a battlefield. Both doors open with a key, and open to expose open shelving. The foreground of the scenes show knights in battle on horses with swords and helmets. The subjects of these engravings can be interpreted as a eulogy to the strength and wisdom of power during this period. Below each carved knight, lay a figure in the throes of battle while leading to victory. The front also features the original hardware, including the key which opens both the top and bottom. All backboards are in excellent and original condition. The bottom portion is projecting forward from the top and rests on a rectangular base with flattened bun feet. This portion could be used alone as a credenza or buffet as it is detachable from the top. It features two carved wood doors with carvings that mimic the upper portion of the cabinet with portraits of the busts from the battle scenes above. The outer corners on the front are decorated with beautiful hand-carved depictions of knights armor with hat, battle gear, and a Fleur De Lis symbol. (It's important to note that pieces with the Fleur De Lis symbol were only made for royalty or nobles during this time period. And it is likely that this piece was commissioned for one of the knights as carved, or by royalty or nobility in honor of the battle they fought. Above the suit of armor is a small carved wood tulip. The feet are bun feet and are just below a straight plinth apron. In original condition, and includes original hardware. Escutcheons are in wonderful shape on both the top and bottom. It exhibits a stunning patina that offers rich character and charm. A classic of exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Possibly from the Burgundian-Lyonnais School. This armoire would add great hidden clothing or linen storage to a bedroom, and could also be used as a TV entertainment center in a living or family room. In the 16th century, life became more comfortable for the wealthy. Furniture was more plentiful than in the Middle Ages but it was still basic. In a wealthy home, it was usually made of oak and was heavy and massive. 16th century furniture was expected to last for generations. You expected to pass it on to your children and even your grandchildren. During the 14th century, a cultural movement called humanism began to gain momentum in Italy. Among its many principles, humanism promoted the idea that man was the center of his own universe, and people should embrace human achievements in education, classical arts, literature, and science. As many other countries like the French and Germans began to mimic this style, the idea of humanism stretched across to French furniture designs. The Renaissance French armoires, as it happened with all the furniture of the period, were influenced by the Italian Renaissance furniture. French armoires of this period were enriched with carvings representing goddesses, flowers, eagles or sirens, according to the classical influence. Other ornamentations during this period were capitals with floral motifs, carved figures, dolphins, and flat moldings. One of the most significant features of fine armoires from this period is the original lock, key, and hinges. Because these cupboards were a very important part of the household, little expense was spared in outfitting them with the finest hardware. Measures: Bottom 64" wide 29.5" deep 33" tall Top (without crown) 61.5" tall 22" deep 62" wide. Interestingly on the back, a small paper has been fastened which appears to bear either the name of the owner, or the cabinet maker. It seems to say, Gerard Massey.

Dimensions:

Height: 94.5 in (240.03 cm)Width: 64 in (162.56 cm)Depth: 29.5 in (74.93 cm)

Style:

Renaissance (Of the Period)

Materials and Techniques:

Iron,Metal,Walnut,Wood

Place of Origin:

France

Period:

17th Century

Date of Manufacture:

circa 1600s