Two bookcases, circa 1870

Details

ATTRIBUTED TO BRUCE J. TALBERT (1838-1881)
Two bookcases, circa 1870
carved and stained pine with inlaid decoration
Each with carved and stippled frieze above open shelves lined with scalloped leather trim, one with stylized foliate inlay and paneling to one side with geometric inlaid border, with minor variations to carving
68 in. (173 cm.) high, 36 1/4 in. (92 cm.) wide, 16 1/2 in. (42 cm.) deep

Provenance

The Collection of Charles and Lavinia Handley-Read.
The Fine Art Society, London.
Acquired by Ann and Gordon Getty from the above in 1995.

Exhibited

London, The Royal Academy, "Victorian and Edwardian Decorative Art: The Handley-Read Collection", 4th March to 30th April 1972, fig D7.
The Fine Art Society, Spring 1992, fig. 35.

Special Notice

Please note this lot will be moved to Christie’s Fine Art Storage Services (CFASS in Red Hook, Brooklyn) at 5pm on the last day of the sale. Lots may not be collected during the day of their move to Christie’s Fine Art Storage Services. Please consult the Lot Collection Notice for collection information. This sheet is available from the Bidder Registration staff, Purchaser Payments or the Packing Desk and will be sent with your invoice.

Conditions of sale

Brought to you by

Elizabeth Seigel Vice President, Specialist, Head of Private and Iconic Collections

eseigel@christies.com +1 212 484 4812

Lot Essay

These bookcases, together with an en suite cabinet, were exhibited at the seminal exhibition ‘Victorian and Edwardian Decorative Art’ which showcased the collection of Charles and Lavinia Handley-Read, held at the Royal Academy 4th March to 30th April 1972. The cabinet is carved with the same decorative moldings with flowering branches, and stylized inlaid leaves along the borders. These designs are closely related to the those illustrated in Bruce J. Talbert's Gothic Forms Applied to Furniture, published 1867, notably plates 2 and 3 which depict a cabinet of nearly identical form.

More from The Ann and Gordon Getty Collection: Temple of Wings

View All