Neoclassical Painted and Gilded Bookcase from Italy c.1900

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Neoclassical Painted and Gilded Bookcase from Italy c.1900

About the Item

An imposing Neoclassical display cabinet/bookcase of shallow depth retaining its original painted finish from Italy c. 1900. This extraordinary cabinet was originally a handsome palazzo in the country outside the famed ski resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo where it was the centrepiece of an interior room. Please look closely at this elegant cabinet that features the original glass doors that reveal an extensive amount of interior shelving all of which is fully adjustable. The clean lines of this display piece reflect the neoclassical period in late eighteenth century Italy and France. This period showed a distinct taste for the restrained taste seen in widely circulated views of Pompeii and Herculaneum that became wildly popular in the 1780's and 90's. This movement away from the beautifully organic and ornate designs of the Rococo found its home in strong geometric lines along with exotic inlaid woods as opposed to carved surfaces and a pronounced use of faux (false) finishes that emulated natural materials. There are two different types of wood simulated here, an all over effect of natural walnut along with a contrasting use of a burled walnut on the crown and horizontal surface that the top section of the bookcase stands upon. What truly sets this bookcase/display cabinet apart though is the arrangement of the four doors in the top cabinet atop the four cabinet doors in the lower section. Each of the eight doors are rectangular in shape and enclose a separate piece of glass original to the cabinet. There is an added element of luxury to the cabinet doors as all of the glass is surrounded by a piece of moulding known as a "fillet" that is composed of gilded wood. This subtle sparkle around the glass adds glamour and sophistication and balances each outer corner of the cabinet affixed with medallions of the same gilded timber. Because this "libreria" or "scansia" (Italian for bookcase'display cabinet) was made for a country residence the artisan chose not to use real walnut timber and gilded bronze decoration as that would be considered vulgar and a breach of taste amongst this section of Italian landowners. The charm of faux finishes and the reference to a city cabinet is what made it natural to see and enjoy in the country. The plinth base that touches the ground across the entire expanse of the lower section gives the piece a sense of groundedness that adds to its attractiveness. There was obviously a significant collection that this cabinet was designed to display as the use of glass in the doors of both sections is an unusual choice. Another unique feature of this display cabinet is its unusually shallow depth. Most bookcases of this form have a much deeper lower section with closed cabinet doors for the storage of items that are not for display. Here, because everything is open to view, every object placed inside needs to be worthy of being seen and admired. It is wonderful to imagine in the light of a roaring fire on a snowy night how impressive and gorgeous this cabinet looked. Now, of course, it will add its own impressive mark to a contemporary interior as a new owner will fill its interior with a personal collection equal in appeal as its original owner enjoyed.

Dimensions:
Height: 103 in (261.62 cm)Width: 87 in (220.98 cm)Depth: 15 in (38.1 cm)
Style:
Neoclassical (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Giltwood,Painted
Place of Origin:
Italy
Period:
Early 20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
c.1900
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. The painted finish is of the highest quality while the extremely shallow depth is quite rare to see in such a large cabinet.
Seller Location:
Houston, TX
Reference Number:
Seller: BJ178A1stDibs: LU8668846651