A Fabulous and Most Unusual 16th Century Carved Oak Panel

The upper section, carved with a bold central rose, with blind tracery double rose leaves in the corners.

The lower and larger section is carved with a startled and grimacing face, having bulging eyes and hands held aloft, as if in surrender.

Below the face are deep incised curving lines.

The panel is almost certainly from a chest, and meant to be seen in this upright position – after all, no-one turns a piece of furniture upside down, to view the component parts from a different perspective. However, if one did view this panel from “upside down”, there is quite a different face looking at us – a rather cheeky grin with protruding tongue, and wild hair.

Is it too much to guess that the carver had a mischievous sense of humour?

Although quite rare, I have seen the odd reversible picture – occasionally a panel,  but more often a piece of pottery or painting – however this is by far the best.

English, circa 1590-1600.

Width 9 inches, height 16.25 inches, thickness 1 inch.

Ref 2808

SOLD