19th Century Country French Armoire Du Marriage from Normandie

19th Century Country French Armoire Du Marriage from Normandie was a traditional gift to a newly wed couple that dates back hundreds of years in France!  This one is a particularly wonderful example of skilled rural craftsmanship wed with select indigenous white oak to create a master work that was literally designed to last for centuries!  The bold crown exhibits four distinct types of molding detail, and presides over the bonnet which has been lavished with wildflower sprays in relief, centered with a basket bursting with flowers and foliage.  The crown also projects out around the rounded cornerposts for added visual interest, with the cornerposts themselves reeded and fluted from top to bottom.  The doors are singular works of art unto themselves, with bold scrollwork above and below, and especially at the center.  Carved embellishments at the top and bottoms of the doors glorify the acanthus leaf form and the indigenous wildflowers for which Normandie is so famous, but the center carvings consist of tilted ovals sculpted in relief with lovebirds, flanked by more wildflowers for which the region is particularly blessed.  Even the center stile which is attached to the left door has received the attentions of the sculptor's hand with two columns of spiral ribbon trim.  Each door is hung with three brass  barrel hinges, allowing them to open wide making for easy access, revealing the fully provisioned interior with four surfaces and three shelves.  Intricate embossed brass key guards are amazing.  The apron below finishes out the eloquent display with a neoclassical urn, drapery motifs and even more wildflowers, flanked by finely carved and scrolled legs.  A truly impressive specimen!
Circa 1860s
Measures 90H x 66.5W x 26D