The style of design known as Art Nouveau (roughly 1890-1914), was heavily inspired by nature, resulting in lively furnishings and architecture. A stunning example from this period is our pair of wood and iron doors, hand-carved in France, circa 1900. Notice how the asymmetrically shaped windows are filled with a moving display of iron volutes emanating from a wedge in the lower inner corner. The iron is surrounded by thick molding, with each opening being topped by a sinuous crown adorned with foliate tips and lozenges.

Large, geometric iron handles can be seen beneath the swirling ironwork, affixed to a protruding entablature embellished by flowering rectangles. Floral motifs can also be seen on the lower panels of the door and the kickplate. An urn with a prosperous bouquet can be seen on each of the protruding bottom panels, also surrounded by thick molding. The rectilinear kickplate is festooned with a rosette over drapery.

There are character-adding traces of older finishes, mixing green, blue, and gray accents to the honey-colored wood. Most of the original hardware remains, including a knocker on the right door in the shape of a fist clutching a ball. The left door still has the original mullion, which has been wonderfully carved with twisted fluting, a rosette above a foliate margent, and a leaf cup finial. Our French Art Nouveau wood and iron doors are over eight feet tall, making them ideal interior doors, such as an entry for a wine cellar, pantry, or interior courtyard.

CONDITION: Good antique condition, with minor nicks and rubs to the wood and oxidation to the iron. Traces of old fills and repairs, as well as remnants of older finishes. Most of the hardware remains, although the pintle hinges are no longer present.