Isn't it splendid! Takes my breath away, and I'm searching even as I write, trying to find a place for it here at home. In from France, it is a 19th century Neoclassical dream of a large shelf, with 3 sphinx-like Caryatid figures, or would you call them Chimera - one in full relief and the 2 at sides carved in bas relief. Magnificent how the wings flow into one another. I just love the old hand carved treasures, can you tell? Large, this one is going to get a lot of attention and love, whichever of our homes it goes into. Lots of photos to show you the depth and detail. Almost 17" tall, almost 16" wide and just over 7" depth in that tri-lobed shelf. It is not a Black Forest carving, but that's our only category to highlight carved wood. This is a French carving.
Very good to excellent condition, I can see that there's a stain of sorts on that top platform or shelf, but you'll mount it high enough or place something on it so that's not a concern. The carving is not only splendid, it is impossibly unscathed. Slender feathers of wings have a tip repair, but you'll never notice it. The drapery, slender and long, isn't even damaged. It is just stunning, all angles and views. Now, where can I put it and what will go on top? . . . . .
