Louis XVI Period Low Bookcase, Provenance From The Villa Monte-cristo Of Alexandre Dumas Fils

Louis XVI Period Low Bookcase, Provenance from the Villa Monte-Cristo of Alexandre Dumas fils

Description:

A charming low bookcase from the Louis XVI period, in satinwood veneer with faux fluted marquetry, opening with two glazed doors revealing the storage interior. It stands on four tapering legs, veneered en suite with the body, accented with gilt bronze foot caps. The light grey marble top crowns the piece with a touch of mineral restraint, in keeping with the linear elegance characteristic of the Louis XVI style.

It boasts a prestigious provenance, certified by Maître Osenat, auctioneer in Fontainebleau: this bookcase comes from the Villa Monte-Cristo, a residence associated with Alexandre Dumas fils (1824-1895), the celebrated novelist and playwright, son of the author of The Three Musketeers. It is accompanied by an autograph letter of provenance retracing its family history (see Provenance).

Technique:

Satinwood veneer, faux fluted marquetry. Two glazed doors with gilt brass framing. Tapering legs veneered en suite, gilt bronze foot caps. Light grey marble top.

Dimensions:

Height: 36 1/4 in (92 cm)

Width: 46 7/16 in (118 cm)

Depth: 16 1/8 in (41 cm)

Condition:

Restored, in very good condition. The marquetry and veneer have undergone careful restoration, carried out in keeping with the original piece.

Provenance:

The provenance of this bookcase, from the Villa Monte-Cristo, in Mazargues (Marseille), a residence associated with Alexandre Dumas fils (1824-1895), is certified by Maître Osenat, auctioneer in Fontainebleau. It is further accompanied by an autograph letter, signed and dated July 18, 1945, in which Serge Lippmann Dumas — the last known descendant of Alexandre Dumas — certifies: "I certify that the Louis XVI vitrine [...] comes from the estate of my grandfather Alexandre Dumas and has never left the family." This original document, kept together with the piece, further reinforces this exceptional provenance.