Expert: Jeni Andrews-Fraser - 3/20/2008

Question
Hi Jeni, I have been waiting for your return.  I have been looking far and wide to find the history or mythology behind these carvings.  They are the remnants of a cabinet I was able to save from destruction and are hanging on my wall in two large frames.  The HTML links are below.
Thank you, Mike
http://home.comcast.net/~professormike/carvings1a.JPG
http://home.comcast.net/~professormike/carvings1b.JPG
http://home.comcast.net/~professormike/carvings1c.JPG
http://home.comcast.net/~professormike/carvings1d.JPG
http://home.comcast.net/~professormike/carvings1e.JPG
http://home.comcast.net/~professormike/carvings1f.JPG

Answer
Hello Mike - thank you for your question (and your patience!)

The recurring image in your panels is that of a Green Man (the small face with leaves sprouting from its mouth).  The Green Man motif has many different variations and is found in many cultures around the world. although principally in Europe.  He is often related to natural vegetative deities and is interpreted as a symbol of rebirth, or "renaissance," representing the cycle of growth each spring. Commonly used as architectural decoration (in churches, in particular)and in 19th Century Gothic revival cabinetry (a favourite of the Arts and Crafts movemment - which sought a revival of medieval craftsmanship.)

The other 'feature' of your panels appears to be a crowned man - which could relate to a type of memorial sculpture/ornamentation concerning Charles II.  I can't be sure, but the juxtaposition of the Green Man and a crowned figure may very well relate to the story of Charles II hiding in an oak tree http://www.icons.org.uk/theicons/collection/oak-tree/features/the-royal-oak
- or, indeed, might just be coincidental!  (It would be a nice reference, though, wouldn't it?)  Images of Charles and oak trees were very popular in the late 17th/early 18th century.

I am not a furniture expert - and suggest you take your panels (or pictures of them - they were most helpful, thanks!) to your local antiwues dealer or museum for verificiation and valuation.  

I'd be interested to know what you learn.  

Many thanks for writing.  I am sorry I can't be wholly useful in identifying your panels, but perhaps I can set you on a pathway that will lead to 'proper' answers.

Cheers
Jeni