19th Century French Renaissance Hall Bench represents the peak of the Renaissance Revival during the middle of the 1800s in Europe.  Artfully sculpted from solid old-growth oak, it features an unusual canted seat back providing more comfort than most.  Such benches came to be as waiting places for visitors to a home.  In the days before telephones, one simply stopped by and waited until the host was available to visit.  Over time the genre developed into the elaborate expression you see here, designed to impress anyone who entered the home.  From the elaborately carved crown with heraldic crest to the pair of seat back panels to the lower panel across the bench itself, the carving is amazing.  Even the armrests which depict gryffins, are works of art.  Even the lower side panels have received the attentions of the wood sculptor's art. The plank seat hinges up to provide a modicum of storage.
Circa 1850s
Measures 49H x 48.5W x 26D; seat 18H
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Available for pickup in the Dallas Design District, Dallas, Texas