A 19th-Century Rococo Revival Painted Cheval Cabinet

A decorative cheval fire screen of upright rectangular form, conceived in the Rococo Revival taste of the late nineteenth century. The moulded parcel-gilt surround features applied foliate scroll spandrels and an arched inner border, flanked by carved wing or acanthus motifs. The structure is supported upon swept, scrolled trestle feet linked by a low stretcher.

The central reserve contains a painted oil composition depicting an assembly of mythological figures reclining among clouds, handled in the manner of French eighteenth-century ceiling decorations. The palette is dominated by warm ochres and flesh tones, punctuated by classical drapery in lapis blue.

A prominent horizontal shrinkage split bisects the timber panel across the centre, a characteristic consequence of movement across the grain in seasoned solid panels. The surface displays an appealing, untouched craquelure and naturally aged varnish.