Rustic Vernacular Pine Door, Hautes-Alpes, France - 19th Century

Description

Vernacular pine door dating to the 19th century, originating from Hautes-Alpes in southeastern France. Constructed from substantial wooden boards, the door retains an extensive arrangement of ironwork, including numerous hand-forged nail heads, long strap hinges and a substantial lock mechanism. The individual boards, fastenings and irregular edges remain clearly visible, reflecting the direct, functional character of its construction. Incised initials and markings, including the letters “W” and “P.C.”, appear across the surface; their precise meaning is unknown.

The reverse further reveals the door’s construction, with vertical boards secured by long iron straps and the large iron lock case prominently exposed. Tool marks, scratches, old holes, losses and variations in the timber have accumulated through prolonged use, while the oxidized ironwork contributes another layer of age and material character. Together, these traces give the door the distinctive utilitarian quality associated with vernacular Alpine architecture. All our rustic furniture has undergone a two-cycle preventive woodworm treatment for long-term care.

GW4726