Fabulous Antique Hand Carved Oak Panel in Frame, Figural Bas Relief Grotesques and Full Relief Bust :-

I suspect this is an Italian carved panel from an elaborate cabinet or a panel salvaged from an old installation of wood paneling in an opulent Italian Villa. The Grotesques (figures and style) are very Renaissance revival, or perhaps even as old as the Renaissance. I'm unsure how to test the wood. The carvings are beautifully composed and crafted. I would half expect to see this one in the Medici Palace in Florence. I am always drawn to carved architectural panels and use them in my own homes as decorative wall hangings, new faces built into cabinetry. This one is just waiting for me to figure out how and where I can put it to use. But in the meantime, it's open to purchase. That outer lemonwood frame is a much later addition but it does contain the carving nicely and was a custom frame someone's had made. The rich carving includes the rather unique full relief carving of the bearded figure in center - probably a portrait piece. The added Grotesque figure up above and the elegantly carved florals and swirls are all done in finest work. This is a fabulous panel to display or to incorporate into a custom cabinetry project in your own home. I'm thinking of having it made up as the door to a medicine cabinet for a bathroom. You might think of a perfect way to use it while I'm deciding.

Very good to excellent condition for age and type. The panel is likely 1700s or earlier, and definitely not later than early 1800s. The quality is high, equal to panels I've seen in Renaissance Palaces, museums, and I see no reason to think it might not date quite early. We have some magnificent old carved works of art, and I consider this to be one. No chips to speak of, no breaks or restorations. And it's very heavy old natural forest growth wood, as well. The frame, as noted, is lemon wood or something very light, and is not as old as the panel. It might date 20th century, but is a nice border and presentation for the panel if someone wishes to wall-hang and display that way. Me? I'm wanting to work it into the kitchen cabinetry or bathroom - somewhere. Loving this one! That head extends out about 2.75" in depth, very unusual. Wonderful form and quality.

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