Hand-carved by the studio of Victor Aimone (circa 1895), this pair of tabourets from Paris have hand-carved Gothic-style motifs. The fantastic carvings are accentuated by the dark brown patina of the walnut wood, which allows the details to be clearly seen. Both stools are signed “V.Aimone” and would make for attractive footstools in an entryway, living room, or library.

The seat has a pierced circle center that is adorned with foliage, spiral fluting, and mythical creatures with intertwined tails. Gothic tracery fills the surrounding areas, mainly consisting of barbed trefoils and circles. Ogee molding can be seen on each edge of the seat, extending slightly over the pair of highly carved legs. A large, open circle, filled with leaf-like tracery can be seen on each leg, just above a grotesque mascaron that embellishes the outside surface. The bodies of the faces form a stretcher on the interior side of the legs, presenting as intertwined mythical creatures with wings, lion torsos, and scaled tails. Additional animals, of the more traditional variety can be seen clinging to the outer edges of the legs, while the inner edges are comprised of foliate arcading.

Victor Aimone was born Vittorio Aimone in 1860 in the Piedmont region of Italy (Carpignano Sesia). By the age of 18, Aimone had moved to Paris, where he was awarded a 3rd Class medal at the Paris Salon. Aimone would eventually become firmly entrenched in Paris, where he operated his studio. The highlight of Aimone’s career was possibly when he was chosen to craft display stands for the Louvre, each entitled after one of the continents (Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas).

CONDITION: Very good antique condition. Minor nicks and fleabites with light losses. Signed “V. Aimone”.