Hotel Lectern In Carved And Gilded Wood – Early 19th Century.

An elegant, carved and gilded wooden lectern, dating from the early 19th century, intended for reading or displaying books, likely in a religious or institutional setting. The lectern rests on a stepped, quadrangular base supporting a short, sturdy shaft, ensuring perfect stability. It is surmounted by a deeply carved scallop-shaped top with broad, radiating ribs, characteristic of the Rococo decorative style prevalent in the 18th century. The center of the top is adorned with opposing scrolls forming a support to hold the book or register, while the lateral ends extend into finely carved foliate scrolls, lending the piece great elegance and a beautiful balance of forms. The old gold leaf gilding, applied using traditional techniques, now displays a lovely patina of use, with natural wear revealing the underlying wood and the gilt in places, attesting to the piece's authenticity and age. The reverse of the stand retains an old paper label bearing the monogram "IHS" surmounted by a cross, a Christian symbol. This ownership mark most likely indicates religious or institutional use and constitutes a valuable record of the lectern's history. Dimensions: Height: 42 cm Width: 45 cm Depth: 28 cm Condition: Very good overall condition. Wear and rubbing to the gilding, minor losses and signs of age, without affecting the solidity or legibility of the decoration. Sound and stable structure.