KINGWOOD AND GILT-BRONZE MOUNTED MARBLE-TOP BIBLIOTHÈQUE CABINET WITH GRILLWORK DOORS
Probably France, circa 1890

43 1/2" H x 17 1/4" D x 47 1/2" W

Kingwood veneers over oak secondary woods, rouge griotte marble, gilt bronze mounts, twisted brass wire grillwork

A late nineteenth century French bibliothèque with angular patterns of kingwood veneers and fitted with gilt bronze mounts, brass grillwork doors and a conforming marble top. The case is arranged with two flanking bookcase doors enclosing bookshelf compartments, an open central section with shelves and a lower tambour compartment. 

The design follows the Louis XV revival taste of the late nineteenth century, a refreshed vision of the forms of a century prior; it introduces shaped grille doors, scrolling acanthus gilt bronze mounts with stylized opposing C-scrolls, cabriole legs terminating on animal paw sabots and a serpentine apron with a lively conforming chiseled bronze mount. The doors are framed in gilt bronze around the glass panes and the twisted-wire brass grilles. The cabinet was made as both a display and storage piece, suited for books, objects, or decorative collections. Very fine.

Condition: Tambour doors are somewhat sticky and difficult to open. Some veneer losses to the tambour doors. Various small patch repairs and veneer touchups. Front corner of marble is restored, a few scuffs from light use to the marble top. Retains one working key. Left and right bookshelf compartments are lacking shelves. Oak shelves can be fabricated or heavy glass shelves custom cut for the space upon request. Presents well and is ready for use.

ref. 603QPK27X