Pair of 19th-Century English Giltwood Wall Brackets w/ Fantastical Birds - 13¾"

This remarkable pair of carved giltwood wall brackets is likely English and probably dates from the 19th century, drawing on the exuberant vocabulary of earlier Georgian and Regency decoration. Designed as a symmetrical pair, each bracket is centered by a fantastical bird with outstretched wings, its hooked beak, alert eye and deeply carved plumage giving the composition a giving the bird a lively, expressive presence. The birds perch above openwork foliage, while the shaped scalloped shelves above add to the richly ornamented silhouette. The gilding has mellowed beautifully with age, with darker areas and wear emphasizing the depth of the carving.

The brackets are rather lightweight and can be secured to the wall by small later metal hooks at the back. One bird’s head shows an old restoration, while the front edge of the other shelf has several small losses to the carved projecting details. There are also a few isolated traces of later paint, unrelated to the original finish. These imperfections sit naturally within the aged surface and do little to detract from the overall effect.  

These brackets would make a distinguished decorative accent, whether flanking a mirror, doorway or overmantel, or placed on either side of a bedhead, each supporting a small vase or collected object.