19th Century French Commode

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English Description for image_70971f.jpg (Royal Antique on Proantic)

Royal Antique proudly presents: An Exquisite French Mid-19th Century Napoleon III Period Boulle Cabinet in Ebony, Brass, Tortoiseshell, and Gilt Bronze

Royal Antique proudly presents this exquisite cabinet, a beautiful and elegant piece of furniture from the Napoleon III period (mid-19th century). It is highly characterized by its rich ornamentation and the sophisticated use of contrasting materials, creating a visually captivating effect.

Materials and Decoration:

• Boulle Marquetry: The cabinet is expertly crafted from ebony, magnificently veneered with intricate patterns of brass and tortoiseshell. This highly prized technique, known as Boulle marquetry, was perfected by the renowned French craftsman André-Charles Boulle in the 17th century, and revived with great success during the Second Empire. The brass is meticulously cut into elaborate designs, then seamlessly inlaid with the rich, warm tones of the tortoiseshell, creating a stunning interplay of light and dark.

• Ornate Motifs: The cabinet's surface is richly decorated with a variety of captivating motifs, including delicate foliage, elegant scrolls, and stylized flower shapes. These intricate patterns are a hallmark of the Boulle technique, showcasing meticulous attention to detail and artistic flair. The brass elements are often gilded, which lends the entire cabinet a truly luxurious and radiant appearance, complementing the deep ebony and vibrant tortoiseshell.

• Gilt Bronze Mounts: Further enhancing its grandeur, the cabinet is adorned with finely chased gilt bronze mounts. These include architectural elements framing the central panel, corner applications, and decorative flourishes on the base and cornice, all contributing to its opulent aesthetic. The central panel features a naturalistic depiction of a fruit-bearing tree with a bird, further highlighting the decorative richness.

Features:

• Central Door: The cabinet features a prominent central door, adorned with the primary Boulle marquetry panel.

• Architectural Form: The overall form is architectural, with fluted or decorated pilasters at the corners and a substantial plinth base, adding to its stately presence.

• Cornice: A decorative cornice at the top completes the design, often featuring further gilt bronze ornamentation.

This magnificent Napoleon III Boulle cabinet is a testament to the opulence and decorative mastery of its era. Combining superb craftsmanship with timeless elegance and rich historical design, it is a statement piece that would make a significant and luxurious addition to any sophisticated interior or discerning antique collection.