Exceptional Neo-Renaissance credenza France Circa...

Exceptional Neo-Renaissance credenza France Circa 1870 Walnut Height : 183,5 cm ; Width : 171 cm ; Depth : 44 cm Exceptional credenza in richly carved walnut, in the Renaissance style. The upper part is divided into six compartments spread over two floors, punctuated by fluted columns with Corinthian capitals and arcatures, and surmounted by a sculpted entablature with nymph medallion profiles. The lower part opens to three leaves, decorated with foliage motifs with mascarons, hybrid characters holding a scepter and figures in high relief, resting on four strong feet placed on a step. Comment: Our piece of furniture is part of the Neo-Renaissance style, which appeared in the 1830s with the ornamentalist Claude-Aimé Chenavard (1798-1838), then developed notably by the decorator Michel Liénard (1810-1870). This style succeeded the cult of the Middle Ages and the neo-Gothic, and was a lasting success. The sources of inspiration were numerous in France, and the iconographic richness of mannerism flattered the taste of the Second Empire. Cabinetmakers were inspired by the Henri II period and favored the use of richly carved dark solid wood. Our cabinet is a fine example of the spirit of interpretation and synthesis that prevailed at the time. It combines the classicism of the Renaissance, through its mythological themes and the rigor of its architectural structure, with a certain exuberance inherited from the romanticism of the 19th century.