Gabriel Viardot Small Neo Gothic Bench, Renaissance

small 19th century renaissance style bench attributed to gabriel viardot unsigned rich carved walnut decor the woodwork is in perfect condition very robust the upholstery present traces of wear we can if necessary change the fabric at your convenience delivery 40 to 80 euros Gabriel Viardot (1830-1906), wood sculptor by trade, manufactures small pieces of furniture, fantasies and objects in carved wood with naturalistic and animal subjects, of which which pieces are appreciated at the Universal Exhibition of Paris in 1855. However , the importation of similar works from Switzerland and Germany encourages Viardot to innovate. In 1861, Viardot succeeded his father as director of the Parisian workshops on rue Rambuteau and became interested in the new artistic movement of the time: Japonism. The Viardot house will then be one of the first to specialize in the production of furniture "in the Chinese and Japanese style", by adapting to European tastes and uses the furniture and objects exported by China and Japan. Viardot adorns his furniture with authentic Japanese lacquered panels, Tonkin mother-of-pearl inlays and superb bronzes of which he designs the models himself, thus giving the whole a luxurious and exotic appearance. Celebrated at salons, Viardot obtained four medals at the Universal Exhibition of Paris in 1867 and a silver medal at the Universal Exhibition of 1878. He was awarded several gold medals: at the Universal Exhibitions of Antwerp in 1884, and Paris in 1889 and 1900. His workshops in the rue des Archives, where Viardot settled in 1878, had around a hundred cabinetmakers and sculptors around 1885, when he was promoted to the rank of Chevalier de la Légion of honor. Enjoying a great reputation, "l'Escalier de Cristal", a famous Parisian house producing luxurious furniture, asks her for the exclusivity of six cabinetmaking models, on which she affixes her own stamp.