Magnificent and Extremely Rare Salon Vitrine
The design of this extraordinarily elaborate vitrine, most likely made in Paris, dates back to around 1880⁄90. This finely executed piece of furniture is veneered in so-called tulipwood, which belongs to the rosewood/palisander family, and adorned with delicate Bronze Doré appliqués.
The elegant vitrine is raised on four cabriole-shaped legs, each decorated with large acanthus leaves. The lower structure of the vitrine features a beautifully curved and bombé shape on all three sides, with quadruple-mirrored veneer and an exceptionally rich Bronze Doré including floral garlands, grasses, and foliage.
The large, centrally positioned, and bombé-shaped glass door is framed by two concave glass panels on either side. All four corners of the piece are embellished along their entire height with decorative bands, bows, and floral motifs. The crowning accents on the four corners consist of four beautifully sculpted female heads, known as “Espagnolettes,” finely chiseled with high collars and intricately styled hair adorned with feathers and bows.
At the center of the vitrine’s upper section, a large acanthus leaf serves as the focal point, extending into elaborate decorative elements on both sides. The interior is fitted with four glass shelves, a mirrored back panel, and a finely crafted ceiling lined with silk.
This model of a small salon vitrine is undoubtedly one of the finest designs of its time. It is particularly noteworthy because, while the most opulent and elaborate pieces were typically crafted for the grand reception rooms of palaces and mansions, smaller vitrines like this one were often designed in a more restrained manner. This piece, however, stands out for its richly curved and bombé shapes, elaborate glasswork, and exquisite, finely chiseled, and beautifully gilded bronze details.
Only very few examples of this vitrine are likely to be found on the international art market. Its design and craftsmanship cannot be attributed to a single maker with certainty.
This model was probably produced in very limited numbers by several of the most renowned ébénistes and cabinetmakers of the period. There are indications that the prestigious workshop of Maison Krieger was among those who created such vitrines.
The elegant vitrine has been carefully restored in our in-house workshops using traditional methods. The original gilded bronzes have been carefully cleaned, the wooden structure has been hand-polished with shellac, and the ceiling has been lined with moiré silk on a stencil, allowing the piece to shine once again in magnificent condition.
