20th Century French Wooden Wall Decoration

Intricate and intriguing, this vintage wooden wall decoration is carved to depict a scene of cherubs in a bacchanal. Made in France in 1913, the decadence and detail of the scene contrasts with the simple, rustic finish of the wood. The cherubs are seated on billowing clouds: one holds panpipes and a vine of hanging grapes, while another convivially embraces his companions, cup in hand. The detail of the tendrils of the vines and the flowing hair of the debauched babies is evidence of the artist’s skill: their signature and the date are carved in graceful cursive along the bottom edge.