A scarce pair of exquisite French Empire style gilt bronze mounted mahogany stands in the manner of important royal ébéniste …
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A scarce pair of exquisite French Empire style gilt bronze mounted mahogany stands in the manner of important royal ébéniste Jacob-Desmalter (1770–1841; Paris, France). circa 1880
Hand-crafted in France in the late 19th to early 20th century, exceptionally executed design, featuring fine quality craftsmanship, rich detailing, and lavishly decorated, having a demilune shaped verde antico marble top with light to dark shades of deep green against dramatic white veining, above a solid mahogany wood frame, veneered in the richest mahogany with lustrous polished sheen, high quality craftsmanship and construction including dovetail joints visible on the reverse.
Luxuriously appointed, the frieze mounted with classical bronze dore laurel leaf garland ribbon swags and torchiere banding bordered by running ornamentation frame, over an impressive full bodied gilt bronze female Archaic caryatid central support sculpture, her hair in plaits, bare feet and arms crossed, wearing arm bands and a low cut diaphanous dress gathered up toward her breast, flanked by two architectural cylindrical pillar gilded bronze corinthian capital columns, rising on semicircular base adorned with alternating star, rosettes and anthemions ormolu mounts, resting on protruding lion paw front feet and block rear feet. Signed bronze mounts, stamped C D.
Ideal size and proportions for a variety of uses, including as hall tables, statue display or decorative art pedestals, plant or lamp stands, narror wall consoles, or flanking an entry as stunning statement pieces.
Dimensions: (approx)
Each: 40" High, 22.25" Wide, 13.75" Deep
Provenance:
Acquired from a magnificently curated private estate through reputable high-end auction house, Heritage Auction, Design District, Dallas, TX
Jacob-Desmalter is a celebrated Parisian firm, whos works were based on designs by Napoleon’s chief architects and ornamentalists Charles Percier (1764-1838) and Pierre François Léonard Fontaine (1762-1853). This pair is after a model from Jacob-Desmalter, commissioned for Napoleon’s sister.
The French Empire style is considered an evolution of the Neoclassical period; this impressive design was promoted by Napoleon Bonaparte, influenced by war and ancient Greek and Roman architecture. Napoleon was a fierce military leader who crowned himself 1st emperor of France, notorious for commanding wars and controlling many important parts of Europe. Furniture and accessories of this period often used militaristic elements; symbols of war and victory such as the golden eagle, palm leaves, laurel wreaths, and the initial “N”. The Egyptian campaign inspired major Egyptian ornamentation such as obelisks, sphinxes, and pyramids. Extraordinary veneers, gilded bronze, and marble also characterized this period furniture. This important style became popular and was soon adopted across the courts of Europe.
Today this classic French design is tirelessly elegant and sophisticated, complimenting a traditional setting or adding exuberant contrasting highlights to modern and contemporary luxury interiors.
Good condition overall with beautiful patina over the whole. Presents splendidly. Strong, sturdy, stable and structurally sound. Wear commensurate with age and fairly heavy use, including one marble top fragmented into two pieces and repaired, past restorations to the skirt, patinated bronze with scattered oxidation and verdigris patina, and other minor imperfections, none that detract from the overall display or functionality, but only add to the antique character, beauty and rich historical depth aquired from well over a century of life.
Delivered deep cleaned, hand waxed in a French polished patina, ready for many immediate use and many more years of enjoyment.
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- Dimensions
- 22.25ʺW × 13.75ʺD × 40ʺH
- Styles
- Empire
- French
- Neoclassical
- Table Shape
- Half Round
- Period
- 19th Century
- Country of Origin
- France
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Bronze
- Mahogany
- Marble
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Auburn
- Tear Sheet
- Condition Notes
-
Good condition overall with beautiful patina over the whole. Presents splendidly. Strong, sturdy, stable and structurally sound. Wear commensurate with …
moreGood condition overall with beautiful patina over the whole. Presents splendidly. Strong, sturdy, stable and structurally sound. Wear commensurate with age and fairly heavy use, including one marble top fragmented into two pieces and repaired, past restorations to the skirt, patinated bronze with scattered oxidation and verdigris patina, and other minor imperfections, none that detract from the overall display or functionality, but only add to the antique character, beauty and rich historical depth acquired from well over a century of life.
Delivered deep cleaned, hand waxed in a French polished patina, ready for many immediate use and many more years of enjoyment. less
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