This is a beautiful example of a French lucarne, which was recently salvaged from a Chateau in the Ile-De-France region (near Paris). Pieces like this were built into the sides of a sloping roof to allow air and light to enter through windows. This arched lucarne window dormer has been made in terra cotta and it’s been richly decorated with swags of fruit, multiple levels of moldings, and large S-scroll motifs along the vertical lower supports. The keystone piece features a pronounced shell motif with a band of geometric and floral motifs that wrap underneath the inside of the upper section, which allows it be seen from below.

This French architectural can be used in a variety of ways. In can be used once again as a roof/window dormer, or it can be used indoors as a niche for a piece of sculpture or statuary. It could even raised and incorporated as an interior door surround/pass through. French window dormers of this particular type and style are quite rare. It dates to the mid to late 1800s.

CONDITION: Good overall antique condition with losses to upper back section of arch (see photos). Minor losses and chips throughout.

Overall Dimensions: H – 75.5 inches, W – 65.13
Window Opening: H – 56, W – 33