Norman Marriage Armoire c.1820.
Made in oak in the village of Lessay, south of Cherbourg. An early piece destined for an upstairs bedroom hence not too large. Made to commemorate a marriage and nicely decorated in local style. The doors are well molded and feature a carved central cartouche with flowers and trefoils. The center of the door (median traverse) has a pair of lovers hearts bordered by flowers and trefoils. The motif is reprised again on the bottom rail.
Unlike many breton armoires, this chap has passed nearly two centuries upstairs safe from damp floors and is in cracking condition. The off-white paintwork lightens the effect of old oak and the piece would bring joy and light to even the most modest of bedrooms.

Measures 196 cm tall
154 cm wide at the cornice and 138 cm wide down the main part
47 cm deep outside, 41 cm inside