Alexander Roux Credenza

Magnificent rosewood Renaissance Revival Victorian credenza made by Alexander Roux, NYC with a stunning satinwood interior. A nearly identical cabinet, signed by the maker, is prominently displayed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It is shown on page 177 of The American Wing by Marshall B. Davidson and Elizabeth Stillinger (see photos here of page and book cover). They describe it as follows: Cabinet, by Alexander Roux (w. New York, 1837-81), New York, 1866; rosewood, tulipwood, ebonized cherry, ebonized poplar, pine, poplar, height 53 5/8″ (136.2 cm.). Large imposing pieces of this kind delighted cabinetmaker and patron alike, for their makers had plenty of scope for displaying their skill and their buyers had pieces that showed their good taste and proved their wealth. While this cabinet’s form is based on that of a Renaissance credenza, its ornament is charactistically eclectic. Louis XVI, classical, and oriental motifs are used together-but in a particularly harmonious way. Alexander Roux, the maker of this luxurious piece, was a French émigré, and one of the leading New York cabinetmakers of the day. The credenza we are offering here is has very small differences with the one in the picture although the design is identical. Comparing the two, ours actually has some features that make it slightly better than the one at the Met. Ours has the fancy brass ormalu both above and below the oval Sevres porcelain panels. The gilt incised carvings above the inlay on the sides of the cabinet is slightly fancier on ours. Finally ours has inlay just above the two front doors while it’s counterpart is plain. What more can be said – this is a chance to own a rare museum grade piece of furniture! Circa: 1870 Dimensions: 53.5″H x 74″W x 18″D Finish: Good original finish with a deep rich patina. There is some old crazing in the finish but this doesn’t cover up the lovely grain Price: $38,500.00 More photos available on request