ITALIAN MONUMENTAL BIBLIOTHEQUE,late 17th/early 18th century, in two parts, with later upholstered interior. Upper case has projecting architectural crown surmounting open-work grill paneled-doors opening to shelved interior covered in red-stripe velvet; pilaster panel doors; the lower case has conforming facade with aligned drawers, recessed panel doors, and similar side wells; plinth base - 100 1/2 in. x 74 1/2 in. x 21 3/4 in. Estimate $4,500-5,500
Provenance: Retailed by Holzheimers Cleveland
We examined the upper section of the Bibliotheque: 1.) minor loss to cove molding on the proper right corner (not visible from front), 2.) restorations to age cracks on sides of case, 3.) restorations to acanthus leaves on pilasters at either side, 4.) replaced open-work grill paneled doors.
Examination of the lower section concluded: 1. ) restorations to age cracks most notably on panel doors, 2.) restoration to losses commonly found on extended corner surfaces (proper right and left corners), 3.) replacement of applied molding (center).
The interior shows prior restorations over the years. These include hardware, electrification, and upholstery work among other modifications over the years.
