Antique of the Week ~ Panetiere

October 18, 2011 1 Comment Written by Inessa Stewart

read is the staff of life, quotes an old proverb. The panetiere, or breadbox, is considered a highly collectible French antique and represents a celebrated symbol of Country French tradition~ the making of bread. Bread has been one of Europe’s staples for centuries, and over the course of time the French elevated the daily task and ritual of bread-making to an art form.

As a baker myself, I know the time it takes to mix dough, let it rise twice, and then bake a loaf or two of bread. This time-consuming process was repeated two or three times a week in French home kitchens, and developed into gastronomic delights that varied from region to region.

The panetiere evolved to provide a safe haven for the hard work of the bread makers of the family, and first appeared in its current form during the 18^th century in Southern France. The panetiere ultimately saw use in kitchens all over France, but most notably in Provence until shortly after World War I.

Panetieres were usually crafted with fittings to allow them to be hung on the wall, keeping the bread safe from children and pets, until it could be served at the family table. The best and most original panetieres are those of Provence, which then influenced those of Languedoc and Dauphiné. Originally the panetiere was simply a wooden box, perforated and placed directly on the table. In the 18^th century, turned wood spindles and more decorative aprons and cornices began to appear, replacing coarse wood panels. We also see at this time the addition of small doors through which the bread could be inserted, and locks to further secure the perishable treasure.

But it was the 19^th century that saw this formerly ordinary kitchen appointment develop into an art form. Again, Provence led the way~ adding turned spindles to create the case, with corner posts topped in acorn-shaped finials. These finials took many other forms, and were described as candeliers, or chandelles. In the region around Avignon it was common to use fletching motifs designed to resemble bird feathers, while further south near the coast around Arles, bobeches were common adornments. Talented sculptors began to add more motifs glorifying the country life, including ears of corn, pecking birds, fruit clusters, and other motifs based on the leaves and flowers of local plants.

Antique panetieres are becoming more scarce with each passing year, and their value varies widely depending upon a number of attributes. The overall condition of course is always important, as is the state of the metal such as hinges, keyguards and locks. The type of wood may have a little effect upon the value, but is not as important as the fineness of the carved embellishment and the architecture. Those with bombe fronts are particularly valuable, especially when well-preserved. The originality of the chandelles, bobeches and feet, as well as the hardware, also play an important role in any panetiere’s value.

Hand-crafted from fine French chestnut by the talented artisans of Provence, this panetiere features a trademark of Provence~ a triple-arched crown adorned with hand-carved embellishment and topped with turned chandelles, the centermost taking a plume shape, and all of which are original to the piece. Hand forged hardware includes the original lock, hinge, and elaborate keyguard or ferrure. Musical instruments are carved in relief on the scalloped apron, with a flower baskets on the door and cornice. Many times such highly decorative panetieres were wedding or anniversary gifts, and the floral & musical adornments symbolized a flowering marriage with harmony in the home. The turned spindle rails surrounding the area where proud families stored their daily bread for the mid-day and evening meals kept the children or pets from sneaking a loaf. Many families kept the bread under lock and key, hung from the wall which also served to display this family heirloom for all to see and appreciate. Circa 1890s.

So as we enjoy our baguettes today from the local bakery, we can thank the bakers of the past for the invention of French bread and the artisans of France for creating a prized French antique ~ the panetiere!

Know Your French Antiques ~ Part 4

October 17, 2011 Leave a Comment Written by Inessa Stewart

n this installment of our series, we continue with nineteenth century France ~ a period that was pivotal in the history of antique French furniture. Within the first decade, Europe witnessed the fall of Napoleon whose very name struck fear in the hearts of English and European citizens and nobility. His aftermath led to a restoration of the established French monarchy, culminating in the reign of Louis Philippe. Political turmoil was averted when France ushered in its Second and final Empire, witnessing Bonaparte’s nephew, Napoleon III, taking his place in French history. All of this simultaneously occurred during the formative decades of an even more significant and far-reaching epoch ~ the so-called Second Industrial Revolution, which had a profound effect on the style and production of French antiques.

This creation of Parisian master artisans during the reign of Napoleon III, France's last emperor, represents the supremacy of 19th century French craftsmanship by which everything produced since has been judged.

The Restoration and Louis Philippe Period (1815-1848) Various European monarchies tried to influence the disposition of the French government after the fall of Napoleon Bonaparte, but ultimately the restoration of the ancient dynasty became the most favorable course to take. The French royal family played the winning trump cards ~ their mere existence and availability. For three successive regimes the Bourbons once again ruled France: Louis XIII (1815-1823), Charles X (1823-1830) and finally Louis Philippe (1830-1848). Gone was the extravagant look of the Empire style in favor of unpretentious, simple lines that characterize the Restoration. Skilled craftsmen utilized fine veneers and inlay of contrasting wood for ornamentation, eschewing heavy carved detail.

For this Louis Philippe Antique walnut commode, the artisans relied on the sheer natural beauty of the wood, carefully "bookmatching" the grain patterns to create a visual feast for the eyes on the entire facade including the top.

During the early years of this transitional period the lighter woods were preferred, such as blonde walnut ~ but tastes gradually returned to darker woods by the reign of Louis Philippe. The architecture and style of the Restoration continued throughout the period, with additional adornments just beginning to resurface towards the end of Louis Philippe’s reign. Two of the most significant developments are the commode and what we now call the “sleigh” bed, which at the time was called the lit bateau after its resemblance to a boat. Tulip-shaped moldings and drawer tiers were pervasive on the commodes, with swan-shaped motifs on chairs and beds. Gondola chairs appeared, influenced by Venetian style, and volutes became common embellishments. Center tables in salons with a pedestal support were topped with Carrara and gray marbles.

This Louis Philippe period center table represents the clean lines and exotic woods characterized by the early years of the age.

Other developments that appeared during the Charles X & Louis Philippe periods were the resurgence of Gothic, Egyptian and Oriental designs. Production of furniture during that period became a true industry, when the emerging middle class needed furnishings for their apartments and smaller homes. Bronze mounts were seen occasionally, but not nearly to the degree seen during the First Empire.

This stunning mirror recalls the glory years of the Napoleon III period when styles were revived from French history and given new life.

Napoleon III Period (1848-1870) Exiled in England while the Bourbon family played its final card in the history of France, Napoleon III had a family history that reads like a soap opera. Josephine, Napoleon’s first wife, had a daughter from her first marriage, Hortense, who married Napoleon Bonaparte’s brother. The couple had two sons, and after the first died, Napoleon III became the only heir. Bonaparte’s son from his second marriage proved inadequate for rule, opening the door for Napoleon III to seize the opportunity when the French political environment was disposed towards a Second Empire.

Antique Napoleon III Period Walnut Vitrine

Rendered from French walnut during the heyday of the Napoleon III period, this vitrine exhibits a timeless combination of architectural features and hand-carved embellishments that made it as much of a conversation piece as the heirlooms which it displayed.

The Napoleon III period was intensely nostalgic, and borrowed from all periods of French history. During his two decades of reign, the Empress Eugenie played a large role in the direction of styles. Inspiration was drawn from the Gothic, Renaissance, Louis XV, Louis XVI~ even the English Victorian and Regency styles. One of the more significant developments was the merging of the Louis XVI style with the Henri II, which created a unique look that has come to be known as the Napoleon III style. The luxurious appointments of previous eras were reborn, such as Boule-style marquetry and ormolu mounts. Exquisite rosewood and mahogany were prized, and a process known as ebonizing became in vogue, turning indigenous woods into furnishings that looked as if they were made from exotic and highly prized ebony.

This Louis XVI armoire is crafted from fine mahogany and features gilded carvings of floral wreaths and foliage.

Experiments in exotic and eclectic looks were frequent, including papier mache, japanned & lacquered finishes, chinoiserie marquetry, with inlays of stone, mother of pearl, and even ivory appearing during this period.

This exceptional soup tureen, hand-crafted in Paris during the Beaux Artes period includes its original serving platter.

This unprecedented style diversity in combination with the development of refined furniture manufacturing techniques fueled the demand from a burgeoning middle class marketplace and laid the foundations for the Golden Age, known in France as the Beaux Artes period which transitioned through the dawning of the 20^th century.

Antique of the Week ~ Painting by Jacques Snoeck

October 12, 2011 1 Comment Written by Inessa Stewart

utch antique paintings are among the most admired paintings in the world. During the 19^th century, the fine arts enjoyed a vigorous revival in Netherlands, inspired by great 17^th century Dutch artists. The Hague Academy of Drawing was largely responsible for the resurgence of this realism movement; which also was influenced by the French Barbizon School. This school produced the greatest array of masters not seen since the era of Rembrandt and Vermeer in the Netherlands.

During the 19^th century The Hague evolved into a vast center of art where painters converged, inspired by this revival of the realism movement. Characteristics of this movement included the depiction of humble everyday subjects, depicting sentimental and romantic treatment of works.

The painting below by Jacque Snoeck belongs to this naturalistic period and his fond portrayal of the rural ideal is clearly obvious.

Although Jacques Cornelius Snoeck lived only between 1881 and 1921 he is considered one of the last great Dutch interior scene painters. He was born in Laren, Holland and acquired his art training at the Royal Academy of Art (The Hague) between 1900 and 1904 under the tutelage of Carl Ferdinand Sierich. His works have inspired such famous Dutch painters as Simon Duiker ~ whose paintings are part of the Dutch National Collection. Jacques Snoeck paintings have been featured at Christie’s actions with amazing results and are so popular that they are being replicated to this day. The subject of his work often depicted middle class Dutch life, particularly women at work in the home ~ cooking, sewing and rearing children.

This particular painting depicts a peasant women preparing food in a farmhouse kitchen, but the true subject of this work, a theme repeated in many of his works, is the Dutch home ~ it’s warm spaces and the woman in charge of keeping it homelike and inviting with the combination of motherly love and a comforting meal. This microcosm of Dutch life during the late 19th century was a popular subject in the Romantic Movement glorifying folk and rustic style. The artist used warm tones of burnt ochre and muted gold to achieve amazing textures on this canvas. He applied special attention to the care she takes in her task of preparing the daily meal. This exquisite oil on canvas survives in superlative condition with its original elaborately gilded frame. Circa 1910-1915.

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