19th Century French Louis XIV Walnut Bookcase

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19th Century French Louis XIV Walnut Bookcase is a masterpiece of art, architecture and style! Rendered in sumptuous French walnut, … Read more 19th Century French Louis XIV Walnut Bookcase is a masterpiece of art, architecture and style! Rendered in sumptuous French walnut, considered the finest indigenous wood from the European continent, it features a bold crown centered with a gloriously full relief-carved heraldic crest with laurel swags. Demilune and fluted trim are carried out to each side and around to the back of the piece. The crest overlooks the upper glazed tier, with a demilune molded center stile flanked by 12 panes of beveled glass in door frames that are arched, trimmed with complementary molding, and accentuated with stylized rosettes, all hand-carved into the elegant wood. At the bottom of the stile appears a sculptural work of art depicting an upturned scallop shell and intertwined laurel wreath. The lower cabinet is an outstanding piece unto itself, with laurel trim punctuated by acanthus rosettes across the top, spiral ribbon directly underneath, and cabinet doors that are carved in full relief with floral wreaths and swags. Quatrefoil overlay separates the doors, and on each corner appears a majestic scrolled corbel embellished with laurel swag and rosettes with jalouse motif. Even the feet are carved below! Five doors in total open to provide unfettered access to the generous display above and cavernous storage below.
Note evidence of powder post beetles that have been summarily and fastidiously eradicated.
Circa 1870s
Measures 94H x 64W x 23D See less