Pair Of Carved And Gilded Softwood Ornamental Falls, Louis XIV – Regency Period.

An elegant pair of carved and gilded softwood ornamental falls, Louis XIV or early Régence period, circa 1700–1720. Each element adopts a vertical and eventful silhouette, decorated with large scrolled acanthus leaves, powerful volutes and raised fleurettes, characteristic of the late Baroque repertoire. The ensemble develops a sumptuous decorative vocabulary, intended to emphasize the axes of an architectural decoration or to frame a trumeau, a mirror or a paneling. A detail revealing of the period: each of the pieces has one side without gilding, at the level of the upper scroll, indicating that they were originally mounted so as to leave only one side visible. This type of partial finishing was common in ceremonial wall decorations, to save gold leaf, the non-visible part being ungilded. Carved work in high relief in softwood, gilded with red leaf on a plate. The reverse retains the original hand tool marks. Condition: visible wear, chips and losses, especially in the upper part. Original gilding, with areas of repair or alteration. Present a very beautiful old patina. Stable and expressive ensemble, ready to integrate an 18th or Baroque decor. Height: 62 cm A pair of authentic ornamental sculptures, full of character, witnesses to the practices and aesthetics under the reign of Louis XIV and the Regency.