M. Markley Antiques

Antique Chests - Item 9260
Breton Wedding Chest

(scroll down for additional photos)
 

Item 9260	Breton Wedding or Marriage Chest
Dimensions	Width 39½, Height 25¾, Depth 17½ (in inches)
Wood	Solid oak
Country	France
Date	Circa 1890
Description	Given that the front panel of this hand-carved, solid oak chest includes two large circular medallions depicting a man and a woman, it is likely the piece was acquired in connection with a marriage. In the left medallion, a woman is shown carrying a basket and on the right, a man is shown walking with a staff. They appear to be walking toward one another and, in the best Renaissance tradition of artists such as Fra Filippo Lippi, they appear to cross out of their circular frames and into our world with a touch of whimsy. Because of its matrimonial significance and figures dressed in traditional clothing, the presence of floral friezes and large sunflower panels on each side, it is likely that the chest is from Brittany and dates from the late 19th or early 20th century. For other items with a matrimonial theme, see cabinet 1016 and dressoir 1033.
Reference	Gairaud, Yves, Le Guidargus du Meuble Régional (Les Editions de l’Amateur, Paris, 1990)
Uses	The chest can perform traditional functions such as storing bed linens, but can also be used as a bench or as a piece in a foyer.