19th Century French Renaissance Revival Buffet

19th Century French Renaissance Revival Buffet is a timeless example of the renewed interest in all things French that occurred during the reign of Napoleon III.  Entirely crafted from old-growth oak, renowned for its hardness and ability to withstand the ages, this example features a wonderful combination of embellishments that are held dear to the French, as well as all of us!  Bold heraldic crests protrude from the centers of the drawers to act as pulls, and are flanked by scrolled foliates, with rectangular rosettes on each corner as well as separating the drawers themselves.  Below the corner rosettes appear stunning pilasters that include architectural motifs of corbels and columns as well as clusters of fruit and grapevines, providing a framework for the cabinet doors between which literally steal the show!  Boldly sculpted clusters of fresh-picked fruit representing the grace of God and bounty of the earth appear amongst foliage bundled together with flowing ribbon, and set in oval frameworks which are themselves attended by contoured raised panels with intaglio carved detail.  Each door is then framed by continuous demilune gadrooning, a pattern that is expanded upon below with the wraparound base molding.  Bun feet provide support below, while the cabinet doors open to reveal unencumbered access to surprisingly capacious storage, especially added to the convenience of the drawers just above.
Circa 1870s
Measures 40.5H x 53.5W x 22.5D