Description
This exquisite circa 1850 English four-panel folding screen is a fine example of 19th-century craftsmanship and artistry. Folding screens, originally popularized in ancient China for displaying fine art, became highly sought-after in Europe for their functionality and decorative appeal. Crafted from durable mahogany wood, the frame features clean lines complemented by hand-carved spindles at the top, a hallmark of the era’s design aesthetic. Square mirrors beneath the spindles add both practicality, allowing for dressing or spatial enhancement, and elegance.
The true highlight of this screen lies in its hand-painted oil canvases, inspired by the style of renowned wildlife artist John James Audubon. Each panel showcases a different avian scene with remarkable attention to detail. The first panel depicts herons in a serene riverbed setting, their long legs and intricate feathers rendered with lifelike precision. The second panel features a pair of flamingos wading in a tropical landscape, their pale pink hues contrasting beautifully against muted grays and greens. The third panel captures egrets surrounded by cattails and grasses, their graceful forms echoing the natural curves of their surroundings. Above these larger panels, smaller square panels depict eastern bluebirds in flight, their vivid blue and rust-colored plumage standing out against a soft clouded backdrop.
Together, the meticulously painted bird scenes and the elegantly crafted mahogany frame create a harmonious blend of art and utility. This folding screen would make a stunning addition to any room, whether used as a decorative centerpiece or for functional purposes such as privacy or space division.
Opened to the recommended spread: H=77 in. W=66 in. D=21 in. 120 lbs
Completely Folded: H=77 in. W=21 in. D=6.5 in. (1.5 in. each). 120 lbs.
Each panel: H=77 in. W=21 in. D=1.5 in.
