KRAEMER GALLERY WORKS OF ART
Beautiful and important Louis XIV carved pierced
And giltwood wall bracket
37 cm. High = 14 ⁹⁄₁₆ inches
41,7 cm. Wide = 16 ⅜ inches
20,5 cm. Deep = 8 ⅛ inches
Usual restorations and maintenance
Comparable examples:
– J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles (no. 84.DH.86)
– Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris (no. 5483)
Rectangular in shape with four projecting corners, the piece features a double cornice formed by inverted doucines, intricately carved with various fleurons, arabesques, and acanthus leaves set against an azuré background, all framed by band mouldings.
The lower cornice is adorned with a central panel containing a blooming flowerhead and horizontally arranged fleurons. Each of the four corners is composed of large cartouches flanked by C-shaped volutes, all set against a textured azure ground and underscored by a frieze of quatrefoils and
interlaced motifs.
The openwork lower section showcases a prominent feminine mask, likely representing the goddess Diana, her hair styled in braids and crowned with a tiara. This mask is set within a large, slightly curved cartouche decorated with a horizontal azuré-milleraies pattern.
Descending from this are foliated elements and stylized feathers. Above the cartouche rises an elaborate open palmette shell, emanating from a radiating motif of gadroons and forming a canopy-like structure.
From the lower section, on either side, emerge curving and projecting pilasters with sinuous lines. These are richly carved with volutes, acanthus scrolls, unfurled leaves, and compartmentalized discs. Each culminates, just beneath the cornice, in a spread-winged rooster, the emblem of France, poised above large double scrolls.
