Grand Palace Library Bookcase In Mahogany Empire Style Circa 1880

Impressive four-bay architectural bookcase in richly figured mahogany and chased gilt-bronze mounts. A late-19th-century work in the Empire Revival taste (Egyptian Revival and Neo-Classical iconography). Pieces of this scale and quality of bronze work are seldom encountered.

Projecting cornice with heavy mouldings; continuous frieze of garlands and palmettes. Four tall doors with diamond-mesh grilles flank the centre; lower section with moulded panels. Fitted interior with deep adjustable shelves (approx. 41 cm), fluted uprights and crossbars applied with mounts. Stepped plinth edged with a bronze running ornament, raised on scrolled feet capped with oak leaves.

• Bold Egyptian female caryatid busts crowning the pilasters.

• Large winged Victories holding an urn to the lower side panels.

• Laurel wreaths and upright torches (symbols of triumph and learning).

• Friezes of putti making music, trophies and baskets, confronted griffins, palmettes, lyres, crossed torches and rosettes.
  Crisp chasing and old gilding with a pleasing contrast of matte and burnished surfaces.

Mahogany (solid and veneered) carcass; interior in hardwood; chased and gilt bronze mounts; patinated metal grilles. Traditional joinery with quality hinges and fittings.

Very good overall appearance with minor wear consistent with age: small marks to polish, scattered touch-ins to gilding and patina; structurally sound and ready to install.

The decorative program—Egyptomania, triumphal emblems, laurel and torches—relates this bookcase to the grand presentation furniture of the Empire Revival at the end of the 19th century, in the tradition of leading Paris workshops following Thomire, Jacob-Desmalter and Beurdeley.

A palatial statement bookcase for a study, library or grand salon.

Dimensions

Height: 250 cm

Width (cornice): 240 cm

Width (base): 232 cm

Overall depth: 61 cm

Shelf depth: 41 cm