Important Pair Antique R.J. Horner Renaissance Revival Mahogany Bookcase Cabinet

Description

A monumental, rare and exceptional pair of R.J. Horner bookcases / china display cabinets from the Gilded Age, circa 1880s. Drawing inspiration from Italian Baroque, Renaissance and Gothic Architecture. The case is hand carved from mahogany featuring two glass display doors with carved floret medallions flanked by 2 large bearded figural Atlas side pilasters, holding a garment at their waist and scrolled corbel overhead, above gnarled masks. Each cabinets frieze showcases a baroque shield flanked by winged messenger's, scrolling acanthus foliate and grotesque Green Man figures. The crowns are beaded and acanthus carved beneath a large Northwind face, scrolled and scalloped with ornate foliate and flanked by two dragon figures. The corners are topped by cherubs poised on S scrolls with outward facing cornucopias in hand. The lower side of the cabinet houses a large hand dovetailed drawer centered by a Northwind face with scrolling acanthus foliate and inward facing mythical figures. The drawer is flanked by large Green man faces above a robust lower apron, gadrooned over scrolled lion feet. The cabinet opens to a mirrored backing with sawtooth supports allowing for the addition of several shelves.

In the immediate decades following the Civil War, American ingenuity and manufacturing prowess brought with it immense wealth and refinement. These are the days when companies like Tiffany's and Theodore Starr opened up showrooms. Those fortunate enough to acquire vast wealth from their railway, mining, and manufacturing interest purchased only the best of the best, and their taste was for furnishings which were ornate and highly detailed. This, after all was the gilded age. At this time The R.J. Horner Company had their workshop and showrooms on West 23rd St. in Manhattan New York.

Condition

Good Antique Condition; Age related wear and patina from use.

Dimensions

63 1/2" x 21 1/4" x 109.5"