Napoleon III Box. Marquetry. France, 19th Century.

Napoleon III box. Marquetry. France, 19th century.
Rectangular wooden box with a flat lid, supported by circular feet, with a front opening equipped with a locking key and a hinged top lid. The interior has a horizontal, flat space whose edges are highlighted with two lines of light marquetry (like the lower part of the lid and the inside of the hinged part of the front), and below which are three drawers, also highlighted with light details. This type of piece was used to store different objects (writing materials, jewelry, documents, etc.), either while traveling or to place them on a table and use them. The exterior decoration, centered on the front and top, consists of delicate compositions with a plant theme and a strong classical influence, made with wood of different tones: shields, flowers, volutes, cartouches, leaves, etc. The sides of the box are highlighted only by lines of wood in a lighter tone. In general, the decorative elements, arranged with harmony and symmetry in varied tones and light colors (rosewood, fruits, etc.), seek to stand out from the dark tone of the rosewood. This type of boxes or chests was very widespread throughout the 19th century in Europe. At the time of Napoleon III (emperor from 1852 to 1870), they were generally decorated with both Boulle marquetry and wood, including works from houses such as Maison Berthet & Peret (work preserved in private collections). -
Dimensions: 58.5x38.5x22 cm