A Russian Neoclassical style brass-mounted, verre églomisé and mahogany bureau bookcase

Sotheby's New York, 3 April, 2009, lot 178

This bureau bookcase is characteristic of the Russian "Jacob" style, which was so fashionable in the late 18th and early 19th century. This was based largely upon the use of finely figured mahogany veneers outlined with gilt-brass or ormolu borders, however the overall design owes more to the work of David Roentgen than it does to the Jacob dynasty. This bookcase also reflects the influence of Christian Meyer, a German-born cabinet-maker who was greatly influenced by Roentgen's work and executed many commissions for the Imperial Court.