Pair 19th Century French Walnut Neogothic Prayer Kneelers

Pair 19th Century French Walnut Neogothic Prayer Kneelers are an interesting design, with timeless styling that dates back almost a thousand years, yet with a lightweight structure that makes them easy to move about the home. Fine walnut was employed to create the visually open architecture, with two tall uprights connected at the kneeler and with two cross stretchers. The four legs below, the front ones being carved with spiral, beaded fluting, are connected yet again with four stretchers to add stability. The apron is fairly straightforward, while the topmost portion of the back displays the most elaborate carved detail with bold wraparound acanthus leaves adorning the corners and a floral and foliate spray spanning between the corbels, above which resides the elbow cushioning upholstered in mohair matching the kneeler seat below. Called a prie dieu by the French such a find is unusual as an intact pair!
Circa 1870s
Each measures 40H x 20W x 17D; kneeler 14H