M. Markley Antiques

Antique Armoires - Item 9225
Henri II Library Cabinet

Item 9225	Henri II Library Cabinet, Bookcase or Display Cabinet
Dimensions	Width 104, Height 94, Depth 25 (in inches)
Wood	Solid walnut
Country	France
Date	Circa 1880
Price	$10,895
Description	This antique library cabinet or bibliothèque is from northern France.    It has three beveled glass doors and has been updated with glass shelves and a low-voltage lighting system to highlight the items displayed within.  The doors lock with their own original keys.  Made from solid French walnut, the cabinet dates from the 19th century revival of interest in gothic and Renaissance furniture, and displays stylistic features commonly referred to as Henri II.  These include the columns on either side and between the glass doors with their intricately carved turnings, and the hand-carved floral motifs at top and bottom.  For ease of mobility, the cabinet breaks down into 10 pieces.  Items displayed in the cabinet are for sale separately, but the price of the cabinet includes the glass shelves and low-voltage lighting system.
Reference	Fligny, Laurence, Le Mobilier en Picardie 1200-1700 (Picard Editeur, Paris, 1990)
Uses	The cabinets are ideal for any room in which items such as ceramics, porcelain, crystal, etc. will be displayed.  They could even be arranged back-to-back as the focus of a large room or as a room divider.