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ID #SA1237232
FOR SALE
£750
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A Rare 19th C French Theatre Scene Diorama Dated 1870
For sale by Branching Out Antiques
for sale €878     $953
£750
Branching Out Antiques

Branching Out Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Apr 2022
Browse dealers 78 items
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    Decorative & country house antiques, including art and taxidermy
Id #SA1237232
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A Rare 19th C French Theatre Scene Diorama Dated 1870

19th century
Description

Exceptional Napoleon III diorama showing theatrical figures on a stage, a rare find, made by a N Louis, his last work, and dated 1870.

In superb original condition, with replacement glass. Wonderful details of the various costumes, a little gem!

Width 50cm. Height 42cm. Depth 10cm

Declaration

Branching Out Antiques has dated this Antique French Theatre Diorama to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1237232
Description
Exceptional Napoleon III diorama showing theatrical figures on a stage, a rare find, made by a N Louis, his last work, and dated 1870.

In superb original condition, with replacement glass. Wonderful details of the various costumes, a little gem!

Width 50cm. Height 42cm. Depth 10cm

Date of Manufacture

Branching Out Antiques has dated this Antique French Theatre Diorama to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1237232
Branching Out Antiques
Branching Out Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Apr 2022

Decorative & country house antiques, including art and taxidermy

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Branching Out Antiques Profile Page

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An antique gilt-framed shadow box diorama depicting four miniature costumed theatrical figures against a crimson draped fabric backdrop.
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Archive I An antique gilt-framed shadow box diorama depicting four miniature costumed theatrical figures against a crimson draped fabric backdrop.

A Rare 19th C French Theatre Scene Diorama Dated 1870

Archive II An antique gilt-framed shadow box diorama depicting four miniature costumed theatrical figures against a crimson draped fabric backdrop. View II
Archive III An antique gilt-framed shadow box diorama depicting four miniature costumed theatrical figures against a crimson draped fabric backdrop. View III
Archive IV An antique gilt-framed shadow box diorama depicting four miniature costumed theatrical figures against a crimson draped fabric backdrop. View IV
Archive V An antique gilt-framed shadow box diorama depicting four miniature costumed theatrical figures against a crimson draped fabric backdrop. View V
Archive VI An antique gilt-framed shadow box diorama depicting four miniature costumed theatrical figures against a crimson draped fabric backdrop. View VI
Archive VII An antique gilt-framed shadow box diorama depicting four miniature costumed theatrical figures against a crimson draped fabric backdrop. View VII
Archive VIII An antique gilt-framed shadow box diorama depicting four miniature costumed theatrical figures against a crimson draped fabric backdrop. View VIII
Archive IX An antique gilt-framed shadow box diorama depicting four miniature costumed theatrical figures against a crimson draped fabric backdrop. View IX
Archive X An antique gilt-framed shadow box diorama depicting four miniature costumed theatrical figures against a crimson draped fabric backdrop. View X
Archive XI An antique gilt-framed shadow box diorama depicting four miniature costumed theatrical figures against a crimson draped fabric backdrop. View XI
Archive XII An antique gilt-framed shadow box diorama depicting four miniature costumed theatrical figures against a crimson draped fabric backdrop. View XII
Archive XIII An antique gilt-framed shadow box diorama depicting four miniature costumed theatrical figures against a crimson draped fabric backdrop. View XIII
Enlarged Archival View
Branching Out Antiques

Branching Out Antiques
Telephone 07742 117815
Location
Kent
United Kingdom

By appointment only.
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/branchingout
Verified Since Apr 2022
Items For Sale 78
Items Sold 380
Branching Out Antiques
Branching Out Antiques
Verified Since Apr 2022
View Dealer Info
Location: Kent, United Kingdom, , By appointment only.
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/branchingout
Verified
Apr 2022
For Sale
78
Sold
380
An antique gilt-framed shadow box diorama depicting four miniature costumed theatrical figures against a crimson draped fabric backdrop.
A RARE 19th C FRENCH THEATRE SCENE DIORAMA DATED 1870
Ref: SA1237232
An antique gilt-framed shadow box diorama depicting four miniature costumed theatrical figures against a crimson draped fabric backdrop.
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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectShadow Box Diorama
  • Period19th century
  • Style19th Century French
  • MaterialGiltwood, Glass, Silk, Mixed Media
  • ColourGold and Crimson
  • MotifsGilt scrollwork frame, Crimson silk drapery, Miniature costumed figures, Inscribed banner label

This nineteenth-century French shadow box diorama presents a theatrical scene housed inside an ornate giltwood frame with scrollwork decoration. The rectangular display contains four miniature costumed figures standing on a stage set against a deep crimson silk backdrop draped with matching curtains to the left side. Below the figures runs an inscribed banner label recording the maker N Louis and the date 1870. The gold frame features elaborate carved floral moulding details along the border and corners, enclosing replacement glass over the mixed-media display. The figures wear detailed multi-coloured silk and fabric garments including hats and jackets in shades of purple, brown, white and striped patterns. Measuring 50 cm wide by 42 cm high with a depth of 10 cm, this small diorama is designed for display in a drawing room or study, positioned securely above a sideboard or on a designated wall shelf to showcase the miniature theatrical arrangement.

FAQs

A 19th-century French theatre diorama is a three-dimensional miniature stage scene housed inside a glazed shadow box or ornate frame. These pieces often depict theatrical performances, opera scenes, or costume studies using miniature dressed figures, textiles, and painted backgrounds.

Antique dioramas were traditionally constructed using carved wood, gesso, and gold leaf for the outer frame, with interior elements composed of glass, silk, velvet, wax, carved bone, paper, and hand-stitched fabrics for the figures.

Authentic period pieces show evidence of age such as natural oxidisation of metallic threads, age-appropriate craquelure on gesso frames, hand-loomed textiles, period hand-lettering or labels, and original float glass with subtle ripples or bubbles.

A framed diorama functions as an intriguing focal point when integrated into a salon-style gallery wall or placed on a bookshelf, mantelpiece, or console alongside dark wood furniture and classical ceramics.

Keep the diorama away from direct sunlight and fluctuating humidity to protect delicate textiles and timber. Clean the outer glass and frame gently with a dry, soft microfiber cloth, avoiding liquid cleaners that could seep past the seals.
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