Large Regency-style Bookcase In Carved Oak
A large bookcase made of molded and carved oak, originally converted from an old cabinet.
With very vertical proportions, it opens with two large doors framed by bold moldings. The front is punctuated by a wide, fully carved central false frame, while the entire piece is crowned by a substantial, straight, and deeply projecting cornice.
This cornice, with its distinct architectural character, consists of a succession of moldings, large modillions, and a frieze of denticles. Its composition draws on the vocabulary of classical architectural entablatures inherited from the ancient orders, which remained very much in evidence in early 18th-century French decorative arts.
The door panels feature extensive carved decoration characteristic of the Regency style. In their upper section, a large palmette in high relief forms the central clasp of a dynamic cutout. On either side are stylized cornucopias from which vine tendrils laden with leaves and bunches of grapes spill forth.
The central crossbars, with their elaborate scalloped edges, are centered with foliage cartouches surrounded by acanthus scrolls, volutes, rocaille motifs in the shape of a rooster’s crest, and slender flowering stems. Small flowers dot the entire composition.
The central false transom is an integral part of the façade’s decoration. It is carved along its entire height with rocaille motifs, acanthus leaves, scrollwork, and flowering branches arranged in spaced cascades around a central rosette.
The structure is made entirely of oak. The sides and back are paneled. The two door leaves are hinged on large iron hinges with turned vases and retain their original iron box locks.
Originally, the doors were fitted with wooden panels. During an earlier conversion of the cabinet into a bookcase, these panels were removed, and one side of the grooves that held them was gouged out to create rebates for installing the wire mesh. This adaptation thus preserved the molded structure and the entire carved decoration of the door panels.
The interior features five levels of shelves offering a usable depth of 33 cm.
With its still very orderly architecture, its cornice inspired by classical architecture, and the more fluid development of its acanthus, rocaille, and floral motifs, this bookcase is part of the Île-de-France furniture tradition of the Regency period, whose designs were developed in Paris and disseminated through workshops in the Paris region during the first third of the 18th century.
In very good overall condition and with a beautiful appearance. The oak has a lovely light, warm tone, with a natural patina that reveals the wood’s grain and the quality of the carving. There are a few signs of wear and some minor historical restorations consistent with the piece’s age.
Dimensions:
Height: 243.5 cm
Width at the cornice: 174 cm
Width of the body: 156 cm
Depth at the cornice: 51 cm
Depth of the body: 42 cm
Depth of the shelves: 33 cm
With very vertical proportions, it opens with two large doors framed by bold moldings. The front is punctuated by a wide, fully carved central false frame, while the entire piece is crowned by a substantial, straight, and deeply projecting cornice.
This cornice, with its distinct architectural character, consists of a succession of moldings, large modillions, and a frieze of denticles. Its composition draws on the vocabulary of classical architectural entablatures inherited from the ancient orders, which remained very much in evidence in early 18th-century French decorative arts.
The door panels feature extensive carved decoration characteristic of the Regency style. In their upper section, a large palmette in high relief forms the central clasp of a dynamic cutout. On either side are stylized cornucopias from which vine tendrils laden with leaves and bunches of grapes spill forth.
The central crossbars, with their elaborate scalloped edges, are centered with foliage cartouches surrounded by acanthus scrolls, volutes, rocaille motifs in the shape of a rooster’s crest, and slender flowering stems. Small flowers dot the entire composition.
The central false transom is an integral part of the façade’s decoration. It is carved along its entire height with rocaille motifs, acanthus leaves, scrollwork, and flowering branches arranged in spaced cascades around a central rosette.
The structure is made entirely of oak. The sides and back are paneled. The two door leaves are hinged on large iron hinges with turned vases and retain their original iron box locks.
Originally, the doors were fitted with wooden panels. During an earlier conversion of the cabinet into a bookcase, these panels were removed, and one side of the grooves that held them was gouged out to create rebates for installing the wire mesh. This adaptation thus preserved the molded structure and the entire carved decoration of the door panels.
The interior features five levels of shelves offering a usable depth of 33 cm.
With its still very orderly architecture, its cornice inspired by classical architecture, and the more fluid development of its acanthus, rocaille, and floral motifs, this bookcase is part of the Île-de-France furniture tradition of the Regency period, whose designs were developed in Paris and disseminated through workshops in the Paris region during the first third of the 18th century.
In very good overall condition and with a beautiful appearance. The oak has a lovely light, warm tone, with a natural patina that reveals the wood’s grain and the quality of the carving. There are a few signs of wear and some minor historical restorations consistent with the piece’s age.
Dimensions:
Height: 243.5 cm
Width at the cornice: 174 cm
Width of the body: 156 cm
Depth at the cornice: 51 cm
Depth of the body: 42 cm
Depth of the shelves: 33 cm
3 200 €
Period: 18th century
Style: Louis 14th, Regency
Condition: Good condition
Material: Oak
Reference (ID): 1813881
Availability: In stock
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