Early 19th Century French Mahogany Bookcase

This superb bookcase features the best quality mahogany veneers laid on to an oak carcase with solid mahogany doors, all expensive features that were only employed by the best workshops when money was no object. The shaped cornice and the panelled lower doors suggest a gothic inspiration but this is handled with real delicacy which was often not the case with later 19th century gothic revivalism which could be overbearing and overpowering to the eye.

Designed for the display of fine books, porcelain or objects, the top section of the bookcase is largely plain, allowing the fine veneers to shine in conjunction with small carvings on the pilasters and a number of finely executed mouldings. The lower section is where the decorative scheme becomes more pronounced, small acanthus carvings on the pilasters framing the spectacular panelled doors which are executed in particularly high relief. Even here where the decoration is more prominent, the grain of the mahogany catches the eye first as it is so beautifully figured and of excellent colour. The pilasters on this lower section are carved so as to simulate partially octagonal columns of obvious gothic inspiration and there are pull out reading and writing slides concealed in the frieze between the upper and lower sections. The doors in the base section open to reveal simple cupboards with adjustable shelves.