Art Nouveau bookcases were often more elegant than their Victorian predecessors. Some would incorporate the flourishing designs with techniques such as inlay while others would be more simplistic with a rustic feel, such as the Liberty style bookcase which sold at Bonham’s.
Below are some examples and price guides of Art Nouveau bookcases including a mahogany open bookcase and a French oak bookcase / vitrine.
LIBERTY & CO., ATTRIBUTED An Open Oak Bookcase, circa 1910 the upper freize carved with the motto “Judge not a book by the cover”, with three adjustable shelves, above an open recess with pierced heart motif 88cm wide, 42cm deep, 166cm high
Sold for £ 2,500 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2013
Art Nouveau Mahogany Open Bookcase The upper section comprising a rectangular top raised on curved supports and a solid back, the lower section fitted with adjustable wood shelves, ending in a plinth. Height 61 1/4 inches, width 55 1/8 inches, depth 20 7/8 inches.
Sold for $562 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2007
French Art Nouveau oak bookcase/ vitrine, early 20th c., molded cornice, case fitted glazed double doors, carved with stylized foliate motifs, opening to three adjustable-height shelves, rising on tapered legs, wood loss to door trim
Sold for $425 at Austin Auction Gallery in 2020
