Gothic piece of furniture

This piece of furniture, with its aged (some might say ‘wrinkled’) wood, is remarkable for its linenfold carved panelling that makes up the single leaf and side stiles. This design is characteristic of Gothic or Neo-Gothic art. This piece is lightweight and has carrying handles on the sides, one of which is missing.

A label discovered on the back during restoration work at the museum in 2020 shows that Antoine Bourdelle acquired it from Jean Peslier, an antique dealer in Avallon (in Yonne, Northern Burgundy). This is probably the item mentioned by the artist in a letter to Peslier dated 1 September 1921 just before he set off on a trip to Italy: “The chest, exhausted in its material and thwarted in its plan, has arrived and retains the thoughtful sap of its ancient spring. I do not touch it; it is like an autumn tree that one must not blow upon.” (Translated from French)

On his way to Italy in September 1921, Bourdelle stopped in Avallon to visit Peslier and once again picked out potential purchases: Romanesque, Gothic and ancient stones, and an anvil. He took the opportunity to visit the Collégiale Saint-Lazare d’Avallon and Vézelay. The two men became friends and began to correspond.

Bourdelle placed the Gothic piece near the entrance to his studio, where it remains to this day. It can be seen in several photographs of Bourdelle in his studio, around 1925–1928 (e.g. MBPH1937 and MBPV4026), and also in a photograph of the studio taken by André Kertész in 1928.

Valérie Montalbetti Kervella