The alphabet of Art & Antiques – E is for …

May 19, 2022

Ébéniste

An ébéniste is a French term for a cabinet-maker, particularly one who works in ebony. Ébénistes make case furniture, either veneered or painted.

An ornate antique wooden dresser with two drawers, brass handles, and detailed gold accents on its curved legs and base, this piece showcases the art of intricate craftsmanship and a polished surface. The background is plain and gray.
From Carlton Hobbs: an extraordinary walnut and exotic woods inlaid parcel gilt commode of profoundly shaped reverse bombé form bearing the arms of Vialètes d’Aignan “Manufacture Royale” of Montauban. French, mid-eighteenth century.

Egg-and-dart

Egg-and-dart is a repetitive design, most often found on molding or trim. The pattern is characterized by a repetition of oval shapes, like an egg split lengthwise, with various non-curved patterns, like “darts,” repeated between the egg pattern. In three-dimensional sculpting of wood or stone, the pattern is in bas-relief, but the pattern can also be found in two-dimensional painting and stencil. The exquisite architectural fragment belongs to one of the decorative moldings of the Erechtheum, the building on the Athenian Akropolis that accommodated a variety of venerable cults and sanctuaries, circa 421–409 B.C.

Fragment of white marble with a carved classical egg-and-dart motif; two large, oval egg shapes alternate with pointed dart elements, set among raised, rounded and angular lines. This antique art piece exhibits weathered marble, with some edges broken and chipped.
Image via The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Empire

The Empire style is an early-nineteenth-century design movement in architecture, furniture, other decorative arts, and the visual arts, representing the second phase of Neoclassicism. The style takes its name from the rule of the Emperor Napoleon I in the First French Empire. The previous fashionable style in France had been the Directoire style, a more austere and minimalist form of Neoclassicism, that replaced the Louis XVI style. The Empire style brought a full return to ostentatious richness.

Ornate gold clock with white clock face, Roman numerals, and black hands. A figure of a seated child reading is beside the dial, and a standing woman is atop the clock. Decorative floral carvings and classical motifs adorn the base, reflecting exquisite Art influences often found in cherished Antiques.
From Milord Antiquites: Fine gilt bronze Empire period mantel clock, circa 1810.

Enamel

Vitreous enamel, also called porcelain enamel, is a material made by fusing powdered glass to a substrate by firing, usually between 750 and 850°C (1,380 and 1,560°F). The powder melts, flows, and then hardens to a smooth, durable vitreous coating. The word comes from the Latin vitreum, meaning “glass”. Enamel can be used on metal, glass, ceramics, stone, or any material that will withstand the fusing temperature.

A gold wristwatch with a rectangular red face displaying gold hour markers, set in a gold case. The band features alternating red and blue enamel stripes, and a gold buckle clasp with two adjustment holes. Blending elements of Art and timeless design, the overall look is bold and colorful—perfect for those who appreciate vibrant antiques.
From Kentshire: Gold and enamel Gucci bracelet/watch, circa 1965

Encaustic

Encaustic painting, also known as hot wax painting, involves using heated beeswax to which colored pigments are added. The liquid or paste is then applied to a surface—usually prepared wood, though canvas and other materials are also used. Metal tools and special brushes can be used to shape the paint before it cools, or heated metal tools can be used to manipulate the wax once it has cooled onto the surface. Today, tools such as heat lamps, heat guns, and other methods of applying heat allow artists to extend the amount of time they have to work with the material. Because wax is used as the pigment binder, encaustics can be sculpted as well as painted. Other materials can be encased or collaged into the surface, or layered, using the encaustic medium to stick them to the surface.

A faded, abstract depiction of the American flag with muted whites, grays, and light blues. The stars and stripes are textured, blending into the background like antique art, and the canvas is divided into three uneven sections by thin dark lines.
“White Flag”
Jasper Johns, 1955 (Encaustic, oil, newsprint, and charcoal on canvas)

Encoignure

Encoignure is a type of furniture located in a corner of a room. In French, it literally means the angle, or return, formed by the junction of two walls. Since the 20th century, the word has been mainly used to designate a small armoire, commode, cabinet or cupboard made to fit a corner.

Antique black lacquered corner cabinet with gold-painted Asian-style designs; this exquisite piece of art features curved doors, ornate borders, landscape and figure scenes, and stands on short legs, all against a white background—a true treasure for lovers of antiques.
From Antonio’s Bella Casa: A pair of elegant, hand-painted, ebonized, parcel gilt, 18th century Italian Chinoiserie corner cabinets.

Epergne

An epergne is a table centerpiece, usually made of silver but can also be made of another metal, glass, or porcelain. An epergne generally has a large central “bowl” or basket, resting on three to five feet. From this center “bowl” radiate branches supporting small baskets, dishes, or candleholders.

A highly ornate silver epergne with one large decorative bowl at the top center, supported by an intricate stand, and six smaller bowls arranged on branched arms around the base. This exceptional piece of antiques art features elaborate detailing inspired by classical design and rests gracefully on four curved legs.
From SJ Shrubsole: a George III Antique English Silver Epergne, London, 1778 by Thomas Pitts

Escutcheon

A decorative plate used to conceal a functioning, non-architectural item – such as a keyhole, door handle, or light switch – for protection and decoration.

Ornate brass keyhole cover with filigree design mounted on a polished reddish-brown wooden surface, likely a drawer or cabinet front. Reminiscent of fine antiques, the keyhole is centered within the decorative plate, adding an artful touch to the classic design.
Escutcheon on chest of drawers attributed to the Philadelphia joiner John Head, image via Sotheby’s

Egyptomania

Egyptomania was the renewed interest of Europeans in ancient Egypt during the nineteenth century as a result of Napoleon’s Egyptian Campaign (1798–1801) and, in particular, as a result of the extensive scientific study of ancient Egyptian remains and culture inspired by this campaign. The grandeur and “exoticism” of its pyramids, temples, Great Sphinx, and culture have made this great civilization a recurring subject in architecture, film, art, and popular culture. During the 20th century Egyptomania reached a fever pitch in the United States: Howard Carter’s 1922 discovery of King Tutankhamen’s Tomb caused a nationwide craze, and Elizabeth Taylor’s portrayal of Cleopatra in the 1963 classic film inspired a new interest in ancient Egyptian fashion.

Ornate black wood bench with teal upholstered seat, gold accents, and intricate Greek-style motifs—ideal for lovers of art and antiques. Armrests feature reclining lion sculptures; gold figures and decorations adorn the sides and legs. Decorative tassels hang from each end of the bench.
Regency Egyptian Revival style settee by Thomas Hope, circa 1802. Image via the Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences.

By Vera Vandenbosch