Click on the arrows to swipe through the images, or click a photograph to enlarge
QA-2026-074
Felix Bernard firescreen
An Art Nouveau firescreen by Félix Bernard, Nancy, circa 1900. It has a handcarved fruitwood frame and its original embroidered silk panel, which survives in original condition, albeit with some splits. The swirling foliage of the carved frame echoes the sweeping plumage of the confronting cockerels, uniting wood and silk in a composition full of movement.
- Every mark photographed and transcribed below
- Condition stated in full, including what is wrong with it
- Posted insured and tracked from the Netherlands
- Return within 14 days if it is not as described
About this piece
The frame unfolds in curling leaves, slender stems and small clusters of berries. Pierced carving lets light through the foliage. Sweeping curves run down into the splayed feet. The warm tones of the fruitwood suit the softer colours of the embroidery and the violent cock fight.
Within this flowing surround, two long-tailed cockerels face one another beneath arching bamboo. Smaller birds fly nearby. One cockerel stands on the ground while the other descends with wings spread, which brings movement to the scene.
Rust red, muted blue, cream and brown threads give texture and definition to the plumage.
The original silk has survived with tears, splits and age-related deterioration. These remain visible and are part of the screen's condition. It is a delicate textile that has lasted alongside an elaborate frame from Nancy's Art Nouveau years.
Condition
- The original silk has tears, splits and age-related deterioration, all visible
- Small brown spots on the silk
- Small nick in the wood at the top of the screen
- New pieces of wood seem to have been set into the corners, but this could be period
- Hairline cracks in the frame beside the pierced carving on one side
- Splits at the lower joints of the frame and a crack in one leg
- Staples, fabric tape and small holes visible on the back of the panel and backing board
Details
| Object | Firescreen |
|---|---|
| Material | Carved fruitwood frame; embroidered silk panel |
| Country | France |
| Maker | Félix Bernard, Nancy |
| Period | Circa 1900 |
| Style | Art Nouveau |
| Height | 140 cm (55.1") |
| Width | 75 cm at the widest point |
| Condition | A small nick in the wood at the top of the screen, new pieces of wood seem to have been placed in the corners, but this could be period. The silk screen is torn due to wear. |
| Attribution | Attributed to Félix Bernard in the dealer's notes. The frame carries a signature that reads "F. Bernard, Nancy". |
Art Nouveau in Nancy
This screen dates from around 1900, when Art Nouveau was flourishing in Nancy. The carved frame, with its leaves, stems and berries, follows the flowing lines of that style. The embroidered silk is the original panel and still sits in the screen.
How I read a mark strip