Louis XV Style Napoleon III Side Table, France, 1800s

Details

Description

Louis xv style sideboard, napoleon iii, 19th century – france

exquisite french sideboard, unique in its kind. It features high-quality … Read more Louis xv style sideboard, napoleon iii, 19th century – france

exquisite french sideboard, unique in its kind. It features high-quality materials, marquetry made with precious woods and two different types of marble. Although it appears to have a simple structure, this sideboard hides two secrets. It comes from an important parisian workshop from the mid-19th century.

this small chest of drawers is made in the louis xv style, napoleon iii period. It features an impressive griotte marble top with pearl inlays; this is a belgian marble, characterized by its intense red color. It rests on a four-sided mixtilinear body. At the front, there are two sections: one very narrow, like a belt, and the other with a large capacity. The first is a sliding rosewood drawer with bronze trim and a maple interior, accompanied by an original gilded bronze lock. This bronze trim extends throughout the piece. The second, which corresponds to the skirt of the piece, has a concave movement; it is a drop-front drawer whose interior is lined with white marble. This drawer opens by turning a gilded bronze handle.

the chest of drawers stands on gilded legs, all four with sablots. All these fittings are made of mercury-gilded bronze and then chiseled. In addition, the marquetry, present throughout its structure, uses different fruit wood veneers that provide a rich variety of tones, contrasting light and dark woods. The geometric pattern is designed in the form of treillage.

with fine lines typical of the period, this is a chest of drawers of the highest quality, worthy of a place of honor in the home. Charming and ingenious, this occasional piece will seduce you with its unique shape that combines rich marquetry and elegance.

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 from the fact that 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 an 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 the styles of the past, starting with classical antiquity, the renaissance, and even louis xvi, much loved by eugénie, the most representative characteristic 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 an 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.
good condition considering its age and use.

dimensions: 71 x 66 x 46 cm. See less