An Empire Obelisk Column. Early 19th Century, Circa 181

 AN EMPIRE PERIOD OBELISK COLUMN

EARLY 19TH CENTURY, CIRCA 1810

Tiger’s eye pietra dura, Belgian black marble and mercury-gilt bronze.

At the summit, a gilt-bronze statuette depicting Napoleon Bonaparte in uniform, with arms crossed, stands upon a gilded pedestal. The faceted obelisk shaft combines the rich, shimmering golden hues of tiger’s eye with the deep lustre of Belgian black marble. The architectural, stepped base, accented with mouldings, lends the composition a striking sense of balance and monumentality.

Height: 64 cm (25.2 in.)

Exemplifying the refined taste of the First French Empire, this rare miniature column combines imperial symbolism, precious materials and architectural rigour. The golden, chatoyant tones of the tiger’s eye contrast beautifully with the deeply polished black marble, enhancing the commanding figure of Napoleon. The finely chased bronze and the quality of the gilding reflect particularly meticulous craftsmanship. At the intersection of the objet de vertu and miniature architecture, this distinguished piece would have been intended to adorn the cabinets and libraries of the most prestigious interiors of the period.