Monday, October 19, 2015

NOT QUITE RIGHT

I'm back.


After not bidding on the "17th c." writing table from last week I spent several days thinking about him; on Monday when I went to pay & pick up at "My Auction" I was in for a huge surprise. I inspected (paying much closer attention) my little (assumed to be 17th c.) writing table.
Originally, I simply inspected the front side with the drawer that retained its very old lock



And the beautifully carved side supports with their gothic mask feet.




Those unusual mask carved feet really had my brain working as I thought that these types of carvings dated to the Gothic period.........
I had not paid attention to the front frieze carving.






When I studied the carved frieze on the front of the table, I realized that it was a Gothic depiction of the Annunciation with the Angel Gabriel speaking to Mary (on the right). The form and carving style are definitely Gothic. And those mask feet are.....pure Gothic. The surface appears to be very old (perhaps the top is a old replacement). I think that this guy most probably dates to the mid-16th c. (1550). I'm not an expert; so I do need to get an expert's opinion. I'm beginning to think that The Getty may be the most appropriate place to start. Dealing with museums can be (more than) a bit of a pain.......oh well, we'll see what turns up this week. OH!! That reminds me.......while the table is on its side in the Explorer, I need to take photos of the underside. When studying a piece, many times the underside reveals more of the piece's identity than the top surface.

On another note.........I took Jones to the DOG PARK (the most important place in Jones' life) today and it's quite a very long drive. The forecost was 0% chance of rain. By the time we got to Fullerton it was raining cats and dogs; so Jones and I had a nice 50 mins. of car bonding time. And my old boy (can't believe he is now 9!) didn't get any exercise. I never thought that I would complain about rain this year.....but geeeeeeeeez.

Best wishes for a fantastic week!

Mary & Jones & Cole


7 comments:

  1. The carvings are fantastic, Mary! Hope you are well. We need to catch up :) Hugs to Jones. My Panda is 16 and Mocha is 15. xoxo

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    Replies
    1. Hi Loi, I know how much we love our guys. 15 & 16--you are a super dad!!
      xoxo Mary

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  2. The provenance on that fabulous desk has to be fascinating Mary!! Have been thinking of you much and want to talk to you about my latest adventure, Hugs to Jones (and You)

    xoxo
    Karena
    The Arts by Karena

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    Replies
    1. Hi Karena, I've been following your new adventure. I'll email you in the next couple of days. CONGRATULATIONS!! xoxoxo Mary

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  3. Happy Birthday Dear Mary!! I have a new email: artbykarenablog@gmail.com
    Thinking of you!!

    xoxo
    Karena
    The Arts by Karena
    Autumn Artistry!

    ReplyDelete
  4. OK! Just put it in my address book. Have a super weekend.
    xoxo Mary

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