Exceptional Antique Cork Work Diorama of Gripsholm Castle

An oil on canvas portrait of a young French courtier, circa 1690. This evocative antique French-school picture has been attributed to the portrait painter Jean-François de Troy (1679-1752). De Troy was famous as a portrait painter of fashionable society women. This is a very attractive late-17th century painting surviving in its original frame and stretcher. The canvas appears to be untouched. References: 'Jean François de Troy, The Alarm, or the Gouvernante Fidèle', at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. 'Jean François de Troy, Paris 1679 - Rome 1752', at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. Laurie G. Winters, Troy, de, Grove Art Online, Oxford Art Online, Oxford University Press, 6 May 2016. Everett Fahy & Jayne Wrightsman...

A pair of antique benches, or forms. One is 18th century, the other later. Of rich, golden color and well-figured. N.b. 2" thick solid planks. Both are sturdy and ready-to-use. Measures: L 7’6" (230 cm) W 10" (25.5 cm) H 1’7" (48 cm). These look great en suite with an antique refectory or farmhouse table, for which they would have been originally designed. This type of bench or form would harmonise well in any interior, whether modern or traditional. During the 16th and 17th centuries refectory...