French Neo-Gothic (Style Troubadour) monastic pedestal stool and sellette featuring hand-carved ecclesiastic elements from southern France, dating to circa 1900. This solid oak pedestal stool is constructed as a tapered square column rising from a stable four-footed base to a flat quadrangular top surface supported by carved stepped corbels. Each of the four lateral faces exhibits individual hand-carved ornamentation derived from late medieval French ecclesiastic traceries. The lower clearances form openwork clearances replicating the ogee arch or arc en accolade form, which reduces the visual mass of the timber base. The upper third of each face features an openwork circular oculus carved with a traditional three-lobed gothic trefoil, surrounded concentrically by recessed manual moldings. The structural assembly is entirely consolidated using hand-forged iron nails displaying an embossed cross latina motif on each head, formed by manual matrix striking during smithing. The interior chamber reveals the raw state of the oak timber, retaining the original bark and sapwood, known as la dosse, documenting the artisanal work carried out by the monk craftsmen from the monasteries of southern France, where this beautiful piece originates. This is a highly versatile and elegant piece that can be used both as an auxiliary stool and as a pedestal to display sculptures or art objects.
Condition: Good. Wear consistent with age and use. The solid oak structure displays natural shrinkage cracks and historic wood texturing without compromising its complete mechanical stability.
Specifications
ConditionGoodColorsBrownMaterialWoodNumber of items1Height41 cmWidth28 cmDepth28 cmSeat height41 cm