19th Century French Louis Philippe Walnut 4-Door Bookcase, 1880s

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Fine French Louis Philippe Walnut 4-Door Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet
France, circa 1880

A very elegant late 19th-century French Louis Philippe … Read more Fine French Louis Philippe Walnut 4-Door Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet
France, circa 1880

A very elegant late 19th-century French Louis Philippe solid walnut four door breakfront library bibliothèque, of excellent quality and generous proportions.
The well defined square moulded breakfront cornice sits above four tall glazed doors, opening to reveal a beautifully contrasting blue painted interior. The central section is fitted with three adjustable solid shelves and two short and two long drawers, flanked on either side by bookcase sections each fitted with five adjustable shelves, all resting on a moulded plinth base.
Each door retains its original finely cast and hand carved brass escutcheon, together with its original working lock and shaped key, a true testament to the cabinet’s authenticity. Constructed in solid walnut with pegged joints and retaining its original oak panelled back, the piece exudes quality and integrity.
Over some 140 years, the walnut has developed a superb deep golden patina, enhancing the rich grain and giving the cabinet great warmth and character. The combination of glazed doors and painted interior creates a refined backdrop for books, porcelain, sculpture or decorative objects.
Highly decorative yet thoroughly practical, this impressive bookcase offers substantial storage and display while embodying the understated elegance of the Louis Philippe style. Equally at home in a library, sitting room, study or hallway, it will sit comfortably in a period interior or form a striking focal point in a more contemporary scheme. A distinguished and authentic French bibliothèque, combining fine materials, expert craftsmanship and timeless presence, an ideal piece for the collector or discerning decorator. See less