French Accents Anique Furniture

Glossary of Antique Terms - A

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Terms Defined: acanthus, andirons, arbalette, Art Nouveau


Acanthus
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A leaf used in Classical ornament, particularly on Corinthian capitals (the tops of Corinthian columns); frequently found on furniture as carved decoration or cast bronze ornament, particularly from the French, Louis XVI period.



Examples from our gallery:

French, 18th century, carved sauteuse (two-drawer Provençal commode)French, 18th century, carved sauteuse (two-drawer Provençal commode) (Item No. 225)
In walnut, with Louis XV cabriole legs and carved acanthus leaf and coquille (seashell) motif.

Dimensions: 50½" wide by 25" deep 33½" high

Late 16th century, Florentine 'credenza'Late 16th century, Florentine 'credenza' (Item No. 230)
In carved walnut, having the characteristic classical elements including ionic capitals and acanthus leaf gadrooning.

Dimensions: 51½" wide by 42" high by 16" deep

Pair of Greco-Roman, porcelain urnsPair of Greco-Roman, porcelain urns (Item No. 316)
With hand-painted portraits over gold leaf medallions surrounded by scrolling acanthus leaves. 19th century.

Dimensions: 13½" tall, 7.5" diameter (widest point)


Andirons
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A pair of iron bars, usually decorated at the front end by a vertical member, placed at each side of the hearth and upon which the burning logs were supported. Sometimes referred to as "fire-dogs."




Arbalette
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A serpentine form characteristic of the finest Louis XV commodes, buffets, and consoles.



Examples from our gallery:

Fine, French, Louis XV style, marble fireplace surroundFine, French, Louis XV style, marble fireplace surround (Item No. 826)
In Carerra marble with arbalette front and chamfered corners. Mid-19th century.

Dimensions: Exterior: 54" wide by 45" high by 16" deep -- Interior Opening: 36½" widey by 37½" high

Fine, Arlesian, Louis XV period panetiere of large dimensionsFine, Arlesian, Louis XV period panetiere of large dimensions (Item No. 767)
In solid, carved walnut with reverse-arbalette facade and arbalette sides. Mid 18th century.


Art Nouveau
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A period and/or style of decoration which first appeared in England in the 1880’s and spread throughout Europe, particularly Belgium, France and Germany, in the early 1890s. It survived for 20 years, reflecting a return to nature and to the values of good workmanship. The characteristics of Art Nouveau were drawn from nature and featured plants and flowers in sinuous curves and convolutions.



Examples from our gallery:

Rare pair of Art Nouveau period, carved, giltwood mirrorsRare pair of Art Nouveau period, carved, giltwood mirrors (Item No. 575)
With beveled glass. Late 19th or early 20th century.

Dimensions: 43" high by 28" wide

French, Art Nouveau, bronze d'ore chandelierFrench, Art Nouveau, bronze d'ore chandelier (Item No. 404)
With frosted glass iris globes. Late 19th century.

Dimensions: 45" high by 25" diameter

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