“Courting Under the Bare Tree” Marquetry Panel — Signed J. U. Hind 1938
Viridian Eclection
The Piece A hand-cut marquetry portrait created in 1938, this intimate wooden tableau depicts a seated woman and her courting companion beneath the stark silhouette of a bare tree. Every contour—dr...
The Piece
A hand-cut marquetry portrait created in 1938, this intimate wooden tableau depicts a seated woman and her courting companion beneath the stark silhouette of a bare tree. Every contour—dress folds, branches, the gentleman’s coat—is shaped not by paint, but by contrasting veneers. Warm maple, birch, mahogany, and burl woods create a layered composition that reads like a painting rendered entirely in grain and tone.
Set into an oval reserve and surrounded by an integrated mitered hardwood frame, the piece carries the quiet refinement of late-Art Deco craftsmanship: simplified forms, restrained elegance, and a hint of theatrical moodiness that distinguishes it from sweeter Victorian courting scenes. The signature “J. U. Hind” appears along the lower edge, and the reverse is dated 1938, placing it squarely within the interwar revival of decorative marquetry.
This is a compact, jewel-like artwork—perfect for a reading room, hallway, or layered salon wall where texture and narrative matter.
Design & Craftsmanship
→ Technique
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Marquetry: image constructed entirely from thin, hand-cut wood veneers
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Contrasting species: mahogany for the ground, pale woods for skin and cloth, figured burl for foliage
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Oval cartouche: inlaid with a fine black border line
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Frame: integral mitered hardwood surround with warm natural finish
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Signature: “J. U. Hind” carved or burned into the lower edge
The craftsmanship aligns with early 20th-century European marquetry traditions, where artisans used grain direction and wood tone to achieve depth, shading, and emotion.
→ Style
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18th-century Rococo-influenced courting couple
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Simplified silhouettes and graphic clarity consistent with late Art Deco sensibilities
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Stark, leafless tree adding atmosphere and narrative tension
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Warm, tonal palette that glows beautifully against dark walls or dramatic wallpaper
This balance of romance and restraint makes it ideal for moody, curated interiors.
History & Provenance
Decorative marquetry experienced a resurgence from the late 1800s through the 1930s, with artists and workshops across Europe producing pictorial panels for domestic interiors, salons, and ocean liners. The dating of this piece to 1938 situates it in the final years of that revival, when marquetry blended traditional imagery with modernized, stylized compositions.
Although J. U. Hind does not appear in major art or marquetry archives, the work reflects the hand of a skilled regional craftsman—likely British or continental—who created the piece as a standalone artwork rather than furniture decoration.
The subject matter, materials, and signature all support a European origin, while the date and style tie it directly to the interwar decorative arts movement.
Condition
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Light, even surface wear appropriate for age
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Small veneer irregularities consistent with 1930s handmade marquetry
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Tight frame, no structural issues or separating joints
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No active veneer lifting or cracking
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Clean, display-ready surface with warm natural patina
A well-preserved example of early 20th-century marquetry.
Product Details
Item: 1938 “Courting Under the Bare Tree” Marquetry Panel
Artist: J. U. Hind
Date: 1938
Medium: Mixed hardwood veneers (marquetry)
Support: Solid wood panel with integrated frame
Origin: Likely Europe (UK or continental)
Style: Late Art Deco / Rococo Revival
Condition: Good vintage; gentle patina; structurally sound
Use: Wall art, gallery wall anchor, reading-room accent, moody interior statement
Why It Belongs in Your Home
This piece is small but cinematic—an artwork that rewards close looking. The warm glow of the wood, the fine precision of the marquetry, and the atmospheric courting scene give it presence far beyond its scale. It layers beautifully with portraits, mirrors, dark florals, and antique frames, adding texture and story to any space.
It brings:
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A rare example of 1930s pictorial marquetry
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Romantic narrative balanced by Art Deco clarity
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Rich natural materials and handcrafted detail
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A perfect accent for moody, curated interiors
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A signed and dated artifact from a nearly vanished decorative art tradition
A true conversation piece—subtle, storied, and undeniably Viridian.
Every piece is packed with professional-grade materials: multiple foam layers, double-boxing, directional and fragile handling labels. For large furniture we use custom timber crating. We photograph packing before dispatch and can provide images on request.
White-glove delivery is complimentary within 100 miles of Reno, NV. National shipping quotes provided at checkout. All shipments are photographed and documented. Damage claims must be filed with the carrier; we provide all documentation needed to support your claim.
Local pickup is available at Viridian HQ (Reno, NV) with 2–4 days notice. Contact us to arrange. Private viewings also available.
All antique and vintage items are sold as described and all sales are final. Each listing includes detailed condition notes and photographs so you can make a fully informed decision. We encourage buyers to ask questions — about condition, dimensions, finish, provenance — before purchasing.
Antiques are irreplaceable and one-of-a-kind. Carrier handling is outside our control once a piece has left our facility, and major carriers including FedEx do not insure antiques. We do everything within our power to ensure safe transit, but cannot accept liability for carrier damage. If damage occurs in transit, we will provide full documentation to support your carrier claim.
Have a question? — we're happy to provide additional photos, condition detail, or discuss the piece directly.
