Pair Of Half-moon Consoles Known As "english Style", Stamped Ame Fournier - Ep Napoleon III

A pair of half-moon consoles or sideboards, known as "English style" or "corner" style, stamped AME Fournier, Napoleon III period. This pair of furniture, which can be seen as sideboards, consoles, or commodes with doors, is veneered with marquetry floral decoration on the doors.

They each have one door and three drawers, two of which are lateral, above two shelves. The white marble tops are surrounded by an openwork bronze gallery. The tapered legs have simulated fluting. Louis XVI style, Napoleon III period, circa 1867.

H x W x D = 93 x 73 x 37 cm

In perfect condition, restored in our workshop. The quality of these pieces is exceptional, as was sometimes the case during the Napoleon III period. The bronzes, the marble, the marquetry—everything is consistent and original. The meticulously crafted decoration and ornamentation of the Napoleon III period are the hallmarks of the art of this era. Abundant, consistently of high quality, and richly textured, they are particularly striking in their use of space and furnishings. The imposing elements of interior architecture contributed to the renown of Second Empire decorators.

Thus, the Second Empire saw a certain recognition of the decorative arts and the artisans/artists associated with them, such as Henri-Alfred Jacquemart (1824-1896), specializing in furniture sculpture; the celebrated goldsmith Charles Christofle (1805-1883); and the cabinetmakers Diehl (1811-1885), Guillaume Grohé (1808-1885), Paul Sormani (1817-1866), and Jean-Pierre Tahan (1813-1892). Fournier can be considered part of this group, even though he enjoyed a more celebrated career as an upholsterer.

The Louis XVI style (as seen in our pair of furniture), or more precisely the furniture created for Queen Marie Antoinette, set the tone for interiors of the era. Empress Eugénie, who idolized Marie Antoinette, initiated a production that revived Louis XVI style attributes such as floral baskets and ribbon bows.
The Louis XVI-Empress style copied, interpreted, and drew inspiration from Carlin, Weisweiler, and Riesener. It was at the 1867 Universal Exposition in Paris that the general public discovered the Louis XVI-Empress style.

Biography of Fournier: Fournier A.M.E. Upholsterer, established in Paris, first at 109 Boulevard Beaumarchais from 1850, then at 12 Boulevard des Capucines in 1867. He presented a tapestry, living room furniture, and bedroom furniture at the 1867 Paris Universal Exposition. Besides exceptional carved furniture, Fournier was famous for his upholstery work, exhibited at many major exhibitions of the time, including the 1867 Universal Exposition. His most famous creation is a wonderfully naturalistic twisted stool in gilded wood, which was as sought after in his time as it is today. An example is preserved at the Château de Compiègne.

Bibliography: - LeDoux - Lebard, Denise, "Les Ébénistes du XIXe Siècle", Éditions de L'Amateur, (Paris), 1984; p. 209. - The Quintessence of Furniture in the 19th Century – Christopher Payne – Monelle Mayot Edition – page 362- - French Furniture of the 19th Century Pierre Kjellberg.