96. Neo-Romanian Polychrome Painted Wooden Screen, early 20th century, rare piece
The photos of the lot are informative and indicative, and cannot provide a highly detailed view of the object from all angles. We recommend a careful physical inspection of the lot before bidding.
96. Neo-Romanian Polychrome Painted Wooden Screen, early 20th century, rare piece
Starting price:
EUR 350
Sold
EUR 450
lime wood, carved, ebonized, polychrome painted, 155 x 160 cm
Made at the beginning of the 20th century, during a period when the neo-Byzantine style was becoming one of the main expressions of Romanian national art, the screen stands out with its architectural silhouette and the exceptional richness of its polychrome decor. The foldable structure consists of four articulated panels, the two central elements, taller, being accentuated by arch-like endings, giving the ensemble an ascending rhythm and a monumental presence.
The lime wood surfaces, carved and veneered, are covered with dense ornamentation, organized in geometric registers. The dominant motif is the diamond, multiplied and alternated with cruciform shapes, stylized rosettes and compositions inspired by the decorative repertoire of traditional bark and fabrics. The color, based on shades of green, blue, ochre, red and brown, is heightened by the dark background of the wooden, which amplifies the glow of the painted motifs and creates the impression of an extensive tapestry transposed onto wood.
The two sides of the screen present distinct decorative concepts. One of them is almost entirely covered by polychrome compositions, with large motifs and strong chromatic contrasts, while the reverse side proposes a more subdued ornamentation, concentrated in borders and frames enclosing the natural surfaces of the wood. The alternation between ornamental richness and the more sober areas highlights the quality of the construction and the functional character of the object.
The screen illustrates the concern of Romanian artists and workshops at the beginning of the 20th century for the recovery and reinterpretation of local tradition. Byzantine-inspired elements are combined with motifs taken from Romanian folk art and from the oriental and Balkan decorative repertoire, in a synthesis characteristic of the era. The lot needs restoration.
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