19th Century French Renaissance Revival Bookcase ~ Bibliotheque

19th Century French Renaissance Revival Bookcase ~ Bibliotheque represents an expansion of the middle class during the peak of the Industrial Revolution when fortunes were made outside the realm of the nobility.  The styling of this particular example, although made in France, shows clear influence by the Italian masters, with lions flanking an heraldic crest on the crown above, with another heraldic crest in bold relief on the bonnet just underneath, flanked by scrolled foliates.  Turned finials mark the corners, below which appear multiple tiers of hand-carved molded detail, boldly carved rosettes and clockwise & counter-clockwise barley twist columns flanking the generously glazed cabinet doors, designed so that the owner can easily spot the desired book or decorative object even with the doors closed.  More discreet storage can be had in the lower sections of the main cabinet, covered by two beautifully carved panels, one depicting a stone tablet, and the other a scrollwork, both festooned with foliate and symbolic surroundings.  Doors open to reveal three adjustable shelves for four surfaces including the floor.  Under the floor is a full width drawer, accessed with a fully carved drawer facade carved with oak leaves and acorns on the left, and laurels with berries on the right, flanking a boldly carved shell which also serves as the drawer pull.  More molding and rosettes with bun feet complete the work.
Circa 1870s
Measures 100H x 58W x 20.5D