353 - A MONUMENTAL STUDY FURNITURE SUITE WITH FIGURAL RELIEF CARVING. RUSSIAN EMPIRE, CIRCA 1890.

A MONUMENTAL STUDY FURNITURE SUITE WITH FIGURAL RELIEF CARVING. RUSSIAN EMPIRE, CIRCA 1890. A rare monumental study furniture suite dating from the late 19th century, executed in the Historicist style with elements of Gothic Revival, Renaissance Revival and National Romanticism. The ensemble is distinguished by its striking architectural forms, elaborate relief carving and unusual iconographic programme, combining subjects drawn from medieval epics, European folklore and the world of fantastical beasts. The suite comprises five pieces: a monumental cabinet, a writing desk, two armchairs of differing designs and a circular table raised on a carved central support. The centrepiece of the ensemble is an imposing three-section cabinet surmounted by a moulded cornice with a carved foliate frieze. Two lateral doors with geometric latticework flank a central panel featuring an elaborate multi-figure relief depicting a fantastical scene suggestive of a witches` sabbath. Above a small house, with a figure visible at the window, a swirling composition unfolds, populated by human figures, witches carrying broomsticks, animals and grotesque creatures emerging from billowing clouds. The lower section of the cabinet is decorated with a pair of fantastical winged lions, a large foliate rosette with acanthus leaves and geometric ornament. The carved decoration is complemented by metal ring handles. The monumental writing desk, with its rectangular top and substantial pedestal supports, is enriched with narrative reliefs depicting horsemen, armed figures, scenes of battle and hunting, set against medieval fortifications and stylised landscapes. The fronts of the pedestals are ornamented with large foliate rosettes within geometric borders. The two armchairs share a common stylistic vocabulary while differing in construction. The first features a broad, curved back continuing into the armrests, while the second has a tall, pierced, pointed-arch back with Gothic Revival ornament. Their carved wooden frames are complemented by upholstered seats with textile cushions and decorative tassels. The circular table rests on a substantial faceted, carved pedestal terminating in feet modelled as tortoises. Beneath the top is a pull-out tray fitted with an inset metal bowl, possibly intended for smoking accessories. The artistic unity of the ensemble is enhanced by the dark greenish-grey painted finish, expressive carving and gilt-toned decorative highlights. Materials: Wood, carved decoration, polychrome painted finish with gilt-toned details, metal fittings and textile upholstery. Dimensions: Cabinet: 205 × 220 × 50 cm. Writing desk: 78 × 166 × 84 cm. Circular table: height 60 cm, diameter 84 cm. Dimensions are taken from the Bruun Rasmussen auction catalogue of 1994. Condition: The condition is consistent with the age and history of use of the suite. Natural signs of wear, localised rubbing, minor damage and losses to the painted finish are present. Previous restorations and later overpainting cannot be ruled out. Provenance: Bruun Rasmussen Kunstauktioner, Vejle, Denmark, Kunstauktion 31, 19 April 1994, lot 266. Subsequently in a private family collection in Northern Italy, where the suite furnished the private study of an antiques dealer specialising in Russian art at the family villa. Literature: Bruun Rasmussen, Kunstauktion 31. Internationale og danske Malerier - Antikviteter, Vejle, 1994, lot 266, p. 38 (colour illustration), pp. 59-60 (catalogue entry). In 1994, the ensemble was published as a suite of six pieces, including a six-light chandelier. The present offering comprises five pieces, excluding the chandelier. Note: The furniture suite is available for private viewing by prior appointment. Width: 220cm, Height: 205cm, Depth: 166cm, Weight: 200kg, Condition: Good, with traces of use, Material: Wood, ID: ID-ANTQ-17250