Bookcase from G. Jacob

Superb quality early XIXth century mahogany bookcase, having original veined marble top above shallow frieze and three glazed doors fitted with original working lock and a key, enclosing three height adjustable shelves, all flanked by reeded columns and standing on moulded plinth base. This antique bookcase retains its original finish, color and patina, all in excellent home ready condition. c1840

H52 3/4£ W65″ D15″ D10″-shelves

H134 cm W165 cm D38 cm D26 cm-shelves

Georges Jacob, (born July 6, 1739, Cheny, Fr.—died July 5, 1814, Paris), founder of a long line of French furniture makers. He was among the first cabinetmakers in France to use mahogany extensively and excelled at carved wood furniture.

He developed a reputation for producing inventive designs for chairs, beds, and screens, carved with such motifs as twisted ribbons, guilloches, beading, and fluting.

Jacob’s reputation grew quickly, eventually spreading outside France; the future King George IV of England, Gustavus III of Sweden, Tsar Alexander I of Russia, Charles IV of Spain, and several German princes all ordered furniture from him.

The firm became one of the main suppliers of furniture to the revolutionary government and later to Emperor Napoleon.