Pair of mahogany bookcases, mid-19th century, France. These elegant bookcases feature an open top with shelving for books and a closed two-door bottom; in the middle there are two drawers. The pair of furniture is adorned with numerous gilded and finely chiseled bronze decorations with palmettes and friezes with a plant motif in the upper and lower part of the shelves and other bronze decorations on the corners of the facade. The elaborate decoration at the top features a mask in the center and extremely detailed floral and plant decorations on the sides. Furthermore, the bookcases have two columns on the sides decorated with bronze festoons in the shape of laurel leaves twisted along the entire length and ending at the top of the column with a gilded capital. The meticulously crafted upper capitals are characterized by a plant motif reminiscent of Egyptian palmiform capitals, formed by leaves tight to the stem by a triple lace. They are a valuable example of Empire style bookcases with a tribute to the Egyptian culture rediscovered in the Napoleonic era that had so fascinated European artists. Measurements: 260x146x50 cm.