Figure - Mayordomo de Restaurante - Polychrome wood

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Annick van Itallie
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Selected by Annick van Itallie

Graduated in art history with over 25 years' experience in antiques and applied arts appraisal.

Estimate  € 1,000 - € 1,500
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Description from the seller

This wooden butler figure is an iconic decorative piece from the early 19th or late 20th century, used as an advertising tool in restaurants during the Belle Époque. Its handcrafted nature and polychrome finish with a natural patina reflect the attention to detail and theatricality that characterized luxury establishments of the time. These sculptures were placed at the entrances of restaurants, cafes, and hotels to attract passersby, evoking the refined service offered inside.

The character, dressed in 18th-century attire—a red coat with gold trim, a ruffled shirt, white stockings, and brown shoes—embodies the figure of the elegant servant, a symbol of courtesy and distinction. His smiling expression and ceremonious posture reinforced the welcoming and sophisticated atmosphere the locals wished to project.

These figures emerged in cities like Paris, Vienna, and London, where leisure and gastronomy became an essential part of urban life. They were carved by artisans specializing in decorative sculpture, and each piece was unique, with variations in gestures, clothing, and accessories. Some held slates with the day's menu, while others simply waved or pointed to the entrance.

Today, these sculptures are highly valued by collectors and decorators for their authenticity, historical significance, and nostalgic aesthetic. They represent not only an early form of advertising but also an artistic expression of an era when design and customer experience were inextricably linked.

Certified shipping and good packaging.

Seller's Story

Translated by Google Translate

This wooden butler figure is an iconic decorative piece from the early 19th or late 20th century, used as an advertising tool in restaurants during the Belle Époque. Its handcrafted nature and polychrome finish with a natural patina reflect the attention to detail and theatricality that characterized luxury establishments of the time. These sculptures were placed at the entrances of restaurants, cafes, and hotels to attract passersby, evoking the refined service offered inside.

The character, dressed in 18th-century attire—a red coat with gold trim, a ruffled shirt, white stockings, and brown shoes—embodies the figure of the elegant servant, a symbol of courtesy and distinction. His smiling expression and ceremonious posture reinforced the welcoming and sophisticated atmosphere the locals wished to project.

These figures emerged in cities like Paris, Vienna, and London, where leisure and gastronomy became an essential part of urban life. They were carved by artisans specializing in decorative sculpture, and each piece was unique, with variations in gestures, clothing, and accessories. Some held slates with the day's menu, while others simply waved or pointed to the entrance.

Today, these sculptures are highly valued by collectors and decorators for their authenticity, historical significance, and nostalgic aesthetic. They represent not only an early form of advertising but also an artistic expression of an era when design and customer experience were inextricably linked.

Certified shipping and good packaging.

Seller's Story

Translated by Google Translate

Details

Era
1900-2000
Wood type
Polychrome wood
Title
Mayordomo de Restaurante
Country of Origin
France
Material
Wood
Depiction/Theme
Belle Epoque
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
87 cm
Width
40 cm
Depth
37 cm
Estimated Period
1900-1910
SpainVerified
2415
Objects sold
90.43%
pro

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