19th Century Flemish Renaissance Revival Bookcase

19th Century Flemish Renaissance Revival Bookcase represents the essence of the revival of classical architecture melded with carved ornamentation that celebrates the beauty of life and bounty of the earth.  Hand-crafted from solid old-growth oak, it features a bold crown molding overlooking an intricately carved bonnet depicting a whimsical norseman's face flanked by scrolled foliates, all in full relief, which is in turn flanked by boldly sculpted lions' heads which appear atop the corner pilasters that flank the 14-paned upper glazed cabinet section.  The upper door opens to reveal three surfaces, with two shelves elegantly scrolled in contour to further enhance the display capabilities of this magnificent piece.  The aforementioned corner pilasters are continued below the molding detail that separates the upper from the lower tiers, all the way down to the bold base molding with bun feet below.  However, it's the lower cabinet door that truly captivates one's attentions!  Surrounded by bold fletching and rosettes in framed panels appears an oval full relief carving of two cherubs engaged in the grape harvest.  With this master stroke one can easily envision this display case serving in a wide variety of uses, not just as a bookcase!  Meticulous hand-crafted joinery ensures generations of enjoyment, evidenced even on the back side with solid panels of oak hand-chamfered into the framework.
Circa 1860s
Measures 78.5H x 35.5W x 18D