Hand coloured botanical engravings by Jacques Barrelier.
A French botanist, Barrelier was born in Paris in 1606 and died 17th September 1673. He renounced the medical profession to enter the Dominican order. In 1646 he was selected as assistant of the general of the order on one of his tours of inspection, travelled through France, Spain and Italy, collected numerous specimens of plants and also founded and superintended a splendid garden in a convent of his order at Rome, where he remained for many years. He afterward returned to Paris and entered the convent in the rue St Honore. He left unfinished a general history of plants, to be entitled Hortus Mundi. The copperplates of his intended work and such of his papers as could be found, were collected and made the basis of a book by Antonine de Jus-sieu, Plantae per Galliam, Hispaniam et Ital-iiam obwervatae, etc. (folio, Paris, 1714)
Late 17th Century English oak coffer of unusually high proportions.
The hinged plank top above a carved top rail then two celtic style leaf carved panels, flanked by deep groove moulded boards, terminating in rectangular section legs. Good overall colour and patination (original hinges recently repaired).
An early 19th Century French fruitwood farmhouse table.
The well patinated three plank cleated top above a plain frieze, raised on square section tapering legs. 220 years of great overall colour and patination.
A fine 18th Century English mahogany Hepplewhite occasional chair.
Having a carved shaped top rail flowing into the well carved centre splat. With an upholstered drop in seat resting on square inner chamfered legs joined by stretchers.
Wolters. A rare print published 1880. Three framed 19th Century fruits of a central pear flanked by apples. Sitting well inside a worn white contemporary frame.
AAADA Melbourne Antiques Show, Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton Gardens, 3 – 6th May 2012
Shopping for antiques, whether it is for furniture, jewellery, ceramic or coins, can be a minefield for the uninitiated but if you are looking for high quality authentic and unique pieces, then a visit to this year’s Australian Antique and Art Dealers Association’s Melbourne Antiques Show is a must.
Appropriately located in the world heritage listed Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton, the three-day exhibition brings together more than forty AAADA member antique dealers from around the country showcasing the very best in antiques and fine art.
