Napoleón III Louis XV Secretaire, French, 1800s

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Louis xv style dressing table, floral marquetry, napoleon iii, 19th century - france


exquisite louis xv style powder box or … Read more Louis xv style dressing table, floral marquetry, napoleon iii, 19th century - france


exquisite louis xv style powder box or dressing table made in france during the napoleon iii era, mid-19th century. It features extraordinary, well-crafted marquetry; different woods are used for the polygonal and floral ornaments. This lightweight dressing table stands on four curved legs, the two front ones with sablots. Its mixtilinear front has two drawers (although they appear to be five), as well as a removable writing tray with embossed camel leather, thus converting it into a bureau or desk. All the fittings, including the handles, are made of mercury-gilded bronze and then chiseled.

the top features delicate floral decorations, thanks to the combination of different shades of veneer (rosewood, violet wood, and palisander). It is this floral top that lifts up, with two side flaps and a central flap, revealing the magnificent dressing table. Once opened, a mirror is revealed in the middle and storage space on the sides. It is curious that these spaces on the front have been treated as if they were drawers, with handles. Lightweight, practical, and versatile furniture.

more about the louis xv style

the louis xv style is an artistic style, particularly prevalent in the decorative arts, which developed during the reign of louis xv (1715-1774). Initially, the term "louis xv style" referred to a characteristic type of chair, but it soon spread to all the arts of the period. This style was created by cabinetmakers as a result of major technical advances in the manufacture of wooden furniture. It is identified with the architectural style known as rococo. Like rococo, it features profuse decoration and detail, in contrast to the later "louis xvi style," which was simpler in style.

napoleon iii or second empire style and period

the napoleon iii or second empire style gets its name because it originated in france at that time. Strictly speaking, the second empire was proclaimed in 1852 and ended in 1870, led by louis napoleon bonaparte as emperor of the french, although in the artistic sense it lasted a few years longer (until 1880). This style was very popular among the french bourgeoisie. The emperor himself was involved in the artistic development of the time, although he was more closely linked to architecture. However, it is empress eugénie who is credited with the evolution of the decorative arts.

although inspired by styles of the past, beginning with classical antiquity, the renaissance, and even louis xvi, much loved by eugénie, the most representative feature of the style is its sumptuousness and ostentation, always aspiring to display wealth and opulence.

it is not a style designed specifically for the second empire, but rather a revival of the different great french styles of previous centuries, a kind of compilation of french decorative trends. Special reference is made to louis xiv, louis xv, baroque, and rococo, and gradually louis xvi, with its eclectic base. In short, the decorative styles that had placed france at the forefront of interior design and furniture design in europe, both in terms of quality and originality and beauty.

these are highly ornamented pieces. It was very common to use elements that simulated bronze, such as brass filigree in this case. Upholstery also enjoyed a period of splendor, almost completely concealing the structure of chairs and armchairs. Dark woods, or woods stained or lacquered in dark colors, were commonly chosen to harmonize with the rich upholstery and gold details.
dimensions:

closed: 76 x 78 x 43 cm

open: 114 x 125 x 43 cm. See less