Neogothic Carved Walnut Pulpit With Storage Compartment – 19th Century

An important carved walnut cathedral chair in the Neo-Gothic style, dating from the 19th century.

With its architectural form and particularly slender silhouette, this high-backed chair features a rich decorative vocabulary directly inspired by Gothic architecture: tracery, ogival arcades, fleurons, napkin folds, rosettes, and plant motifs punctuate its entire structure.

The high backrest is particularly remarkable for its central panel, entirely carved with a network of interlaced arcades punctuated by small flowers, evoking the tracery of a Gothic window. It is surmounted by an openwork gallery framed by two tall pinnacles.

The armrests, also openworked with Gothic motifs, are topped by curious human figures carved in the round, depicted in unusual poses. Two other fantastical or animal figures are placed in the upper part of the backrest, further enhancing the piece’s unique character.

The lower section forms a chest beneath the seat. Its front is adorned with extensive Gothic decoration framing, at its center, a medallion carved with the head of a figure wearing a headdress. The sides of the storage compartment are also entirely carved with large, openwork motifs inspired by Gothic design.

The piece as a whole displays exceptionally rich sculptural detail, with meticulous attention paid even to the furniture’s secondary elements.

Crafted from walnut, the armchair features a beautiful antique patina in deep brown tones, highlighting the reliefs and the delicacy of the carvings.

The chair is in good overall condition considering its age. It shows signs of use, minor wear, and irregularities inherent to a 19th-century piece of furniture, as visible in the photographs.

With its impressive height of nearly two meters and its richly decorated design, this high-backed armchair has a very sculptural presence. A piece with character, it is as interesting as a seat as it is as an architectural element in either a traditional or contemporary interior.

Period: 19th century
Style: Neo-Gothic
Material: Walnut
Type: Cathedral chair / high-backed armchair
Distinctive feature: seat opens to reveal a storage compartment

Dimensions:
Height: 199 cm
Width: 77.5 cm
Depth: 52 cm

Delivery available in France and internationally upon request.