My friend Gabrielle and I spent much of the day at the Antiquities Brocante at Place de la Bastille. The treasures I brought home include this framed certificate awarded to Monsieur Naudel for his service to the 13e regiment de infanterie.
Alas, the photograph doesn't do the paper justice. Dated 1783, the document's heading - beautifully handwritten in faded brown ink - is the French motto "Liberte, Egalite et Fraternite." The red wax seal features the Republique de Francaise symbol. And the document's authenticity has been verified by French authorities.
This huge 12 x 24-inch woodblock print for fabric is from the late 19th-century. Any ideas with what to do with it, other than lean it against a wall?
This iron and bronze armillary sphere dates from the late 19th-century. I photographed it on the balcony, but don't know if that's where it will remain.
In my bid to create more space in our small apartment by selling some large pieces, this week an antiquaire took my 19th-century iron and wood child's sleigh - which I had piled high with books - to display in her holiday sale. I saw it in her shop Thursday, filled with antique toys. It looked so adorable, I wished I had never agreed to sell it. Perhaps it won't sell and I'll get it back. But then I'll be faced with the same dilemma - not enough room!
I'd frame the woodblock somehow and hang it from the ceiling about 1 ft. down using cable wire so it would appear to be floating. Another idea is to do a lighter frame, hang it on the wall with a dark color painted behind it to accent the craftsmanship of the carving.
Posted by: martina | 20 November 2006 at 03:30
Use to print your very own christmas wrapping paper, or anytime wrapping paper. Use roller to apply paint to block and apply to paper, tissue, brown paper or any suitable paper.
That is a beautiful piece.
Posted by: ainelivia | 19 November 2006 at 11:37
Lovely pics Tara, am loving the history you keep finding.
Posted by: rach | 18 November 2006 at 16:30
Such finds!
Posted by: Marilyn | 18 November 2006 at 14:34
Just looking at what I have missed here this week. The pictures are all so cool to see. Beautiful Paris!*happy sigh*
Miss you!
Posted by: Amber | 18 November 2006 at 07:14
What lovely finds, dear T ... not sure what to do with the woodblock, but I know I would have been drawn to it as well. much peace and happy thoughts for you, JP
Posted by: JanePoe (aka Deborah) | 18 November 2006 at 06:22
Maybe if it didn't look that adorable in your apartment, you should just let it go. Make room so you can buy more stuff, I always say!
Posted by: twitches | 18 November 2006 at 03:47
I love armillaries. I have a small one in my backyard. It shares the same aged green color.
Posted by: annieelf | 18 November 2006 at 01:13
I'd make a "rubbing" of it on canvas or paper - something, anyway!
Could you mount it onto a plain table, top it with table glass and turn it into a coffee table?
As for the letter, it would be in my scanner so quick, it would make your head spin; then the resulting copies could be used in collages and ATCs...wonderful finds, Tara!
I love the sphere, too.
As for room for the sleigh - I don't know how weatherproof it is anymore, but it sounds like it would make a lovely Christmas decoration for your balcony!
Posted by: tinker | 17 November 2006 at 23:38
It sounds like a constant battle ... but a delicious one. Thanks for sharing :)
Posted by: Di | 17 November 2006 at 21:12
Oh those Bastille brocantes...I would be in heaven. so thank you for sharing!
The wood block is making my heart go pitter-patter.
And the sphere too. It's that arrow that attracts me...
Posted by: Colette | 17 November 2006 at 19:00