Pair of Large Expressive 19th-Century Carved Wooden Folk Art Faun Heads - 17¾"

This large and wonderfully expressive pair of 19th-century carved wooden sculptural heads depicts fantastical figures that may represent fauns, satyrs or devils, with pointed ears, deeply carved brows, flowing beards and broad, mischievous grins. Hand-sculpted in high relief, the two heads are closely related without being identical, giving the pair the lively irregularity of folk carving. The wood retains a strongly visible grain and numerous tool marks, while its reddish-brown patina has deepened with age, with darker areas in the recesses and lighter wear across the raised surfaces emphasizing the depth and vigor of the carving.

Their original context is uncertain, although their scale and relatively flat backs suggest they may once have formed part of a larger piece of folk-art furniture or architectural decoration. Each head was originally pierced with two fixing holes, but more recent hooks have been added to the backs for straightforward wall hanging.  

Hung as a pair, they have tremendous character and presence. Their exaggerated expressions and boldly carved silhouettes would bring an unexpected, slightly theatrical note to a library, hallway or wine cellar displayed on either side of a large mirror, doorway or alongside a collection of Bacchic paintings and objects.