A DISTRESSED GREEN PAINTED GUSTAVIAN STYLE BOOKCASE CABINET
Lower cabinet late 19th century, upper cabinet second half of 20th century

Pine, glass, brass

92 1/2" high x 80 3/4" wide x 20" deep (235 x 205.1 x 50.8 cm)

Provenance: With Jean-Pierre Antiques, Georgetown, Washington, DC
Collection of Marbury House, Georgetown, Washington, DC

With a nod towards the forms of the Swedish Gustavian era, this large two part painted pine bookcase cabinet with a heavily distressed green surface is such an easy strikepoint piece to place. The upper section featuring three glazed doors beneath a projecting molded cornice decorated with carved acanthus ornament. The doors and vertical stiles retain traces of polychrome painted decoration, opening to an open interior fitted with three modern oak shelves.

The lower cupboard is older than the upper portion, which was probably made to match the bottom. Probably late 19th century, the lower cabinet incorporates three paneled doors, each centered with a white painted diamond, with additional polychrome ornament along the intervening stiles. Extensive wear to the green paint reveals successive layers of color and natural wood, resulting in a richly varied surface patina.

Condition: In overall fair condition, with extensive surface wear, distressing, chips and losses throughout. The lower cupboard is probably late 19th century, while the upper bookcase appears to have been constructed to match during the second half of the 20th century. There is a slight variation in the green paint between the two sections. The upper shelves are modern. All hardware has been replaced with fittings of relatively poor quality, and the doors have considerable play in their hinges and would benefit from adjustment or improved hardware. The lower left door has a loss to its panel, with additional chips and losses elsewhere. The upper cornice is missing a section along one side, appearing to be an intentional alteration to accommodate its original placement, with areas of filler at the corners.

The upper bookcase rests directly on the cupboard without a bottom dustboard connecting its front and back, resulting in some structural flexibility that requires care when moving or handling. This does not appear to affect stability when the cabinet is stationary. Despite these issues, the cabinet remains functional and presents attractively, with a particularly appealing worn painted surface.

ref. 606SPP04C