Early 19th C. French Empire Mahogany & Brass Cabinet, Faux-Marble Top

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Description

A handsome early-19th-century French document cabinet, or cartonnier, in richly figured mahogany with crisp brass detailing in the Directoire/Empire taste.

… Read more A handsome early-19th-century French document cabinet, or cartonnier, in richly figured mahogany with crisp brass detailing in the Directoire/Empire taste.

The upper case has two paneled doors, each inlaid with a brass lozenge inside a brass-framed reserve and centered by a turned brass knob. A chased bronze foliate escutcheon with its working key sits between the doors. The doors open onto the original fitted interior: two tiers of pigeonholes with gracefully shaped scrolled dividers, made for papers, ledgers and correspondence.

The case is banded in brass moldings and crowned by a molded cornice beneath a hand-painted faux-marble top in mottled rouge and umber tones that evokes antique porphyry. It stands on four turned mahogany columns with reeded brass capitals and square brass bases, joined by an open shelf and set on a solid plinth, a classic Empire signature.

The construction is entirely by hand. Hand-cut joinery and the original hand-fitted lock with its period mortise confirm early-19th-century French workmanship. Mahogany, the most prized wood of the Empire period, has mellowed here to a warm, glowing patina.

At 40 inches high, it sits at a comfortable counter height. Use it as a bar cabinet, a library or study piece, or a sculptural entry console. The open shelf is ideal for books, a tray of decanters or baskets.

Dimensions: 40" H × 38" W × 18" D (101.6 × 96.5 × 45.7 cm)
Materials: Mahogany, brass, bronze, painted wood (faux-marble)
Style: Directoire / Empire
Origin: France
Period: Early 19th century, circa 1810–1830 See less