19th Century French Renaissance Hunt Bookcase

19th Century French Renaissance Hunt Bookcase was obviously produced by a master sculptor!  Utilizing dense, old-growth indigenous oak, renowned for its hardness and ability to last for centuries, the artisans first created the neoclassically inspired casework, then lavished it with Renaissance-inspired carved detail.  Across the boldly molded crown we see a boar's head at the center, flanked by hounds and grapevines.  Richly carved rosettes flank the bonnet and appear over the magnificent corbels that transition into fruit and foliage cascading down the corner posts, which provide a framework for the intricately molded pair of glazed upper cabinet doors.  Open the doors to reveal adjustable shelves that are carved on the face for added visual effect.  The lower cabinet steps out a bit, and is defined by the upper tier which houses two drawers lavished with grapevine motif that encompasses the drawer pulls.  Rosettes again provide a framework and appear over the same corbel and fruit composition as appears above, which in turn frames the visual masterpiece of the bookcase, the lower door panels.  Carved in amazingly lifelike detail are the spoils of the hunt on the left, and a successful fishing trip on the right.  The doors open to reveal copious storage.  A boldly carved base with bun feet provides support.
Circa 1850s
Measures 94H x 56.5W x 22D