Lot 62
A Louis XIV Carved, Ebonized, Inlaid and Paint-Decorated Library Cabinet, 17th c. and later, the molded cornice above frieze drawers with putti and rinceaux scrolls; pair of exterior doors with scenes of a Roman architect constructing and receiving accolades for a temple; opening to a secondary interior fitted with drawers and a pair of doors carved with busts of Classical maidens; the primary architectonic interior elaborately inlaid with ebony and other exotic woods with mirrors and painted panels of Saints Mary Magdalene, Catherine, Barbara, and Faith; the lower case with two drawers on banded and fluted Ionic columns before incised panels of Classical figures, basket carved and molded plinth, bun feet, height 80 1/2 in., width 67 1/2 in., depth 23 in. Provenance: Purchased from Francis Briest, Drouot Richelieu, Paris, lot 140, May 26, 1999. Note: The finely executed carved scenes of ancient industry on the exterior of this cabinet contrast with the interior examples of Christian virtue. This pairing of the Latinate/Ancient motifs with the Gothic/Christian iconography in the overall design could reflect an Enlightenment interest in the continuity of Roman civilization into the Christian era.
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