Description
An elegant 18th-century mahogany bureau cabinet of impressive architectural form, and lovely rich colour.
George II-period, circa 1740.
The top surmounted by a bold architectural pediment and centred by a brass finial. The two arched panel doors reveal three adjustable shelves which have candle slides below them. Furthermore the bureau section is fitted with a stepped interior. This has two secret compartments, drawers and pigeon holes, and the fall is conventionally supported on two lopers. Lined in the best quality English oak.
The blind doors of this Georgian cabinet have well figured mahogany panels of very good colour which reflect beautifully in the candle light.
The chamfered and arched doors display a further level of sophistication and quality. The beautifully drawn arched pediment is in perfect proportion with the rest of the cabinet/ bookcase.
In excellent condition overall.
Architectural furniture designs on the continent commenced with the arrival of the Renaissance, and they have their origins in Roman and Greek architecture.
Nb. We often refer to antique bookcases / cabinets as ”secretary desks” in the US.
Bureau bookcases display books, china or silver behind glazed doors, but are described more accurately as bureau cabinets when they are fitted with blind doors.
Further reading, re pediments, etc:
Illustrated Dictionary of Historic Architecture, Harris, Cyril, M (ed) Dover, New York, 1977 (1983 edition) page 386.
Encyclopaedia Britannica (11th ed.) Chisholm, Hugh, ed (1911) Cambridge University Press.
