19th Century Cabinet, Napoleon III Period, Boulle Style.

DESCRIPTION This Napoleon III Style cabinet is made of black polished wood, mounted with gilt bronze, inlaid with brass and resting on top is a plate of Belgian black marble. The Napoleon III style, named after Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte, the French emperor who ruled from 1852 to 1870 (also referred to as the Second Empire), is one of the most unique styles ever produced. It stands out because there is nothing within it that is unique to itself. Everything, including materials, forms reproduced, and ornamentation used, was borrowed from styles that preceded it. Therefore, the Second Empire style can be summed up with in one word: abundance, giving the impression of meticulousness and opulence. The door is fitted with two figures representing Socrates who listen to a philosophy lesson given by Aspasia. Socrates is a Greek philosopher from Athens who is credited as a founder of Western philosophy and the first moral philosopher of the Western ethical tradition of thought. Aspasia, along with Diotima, was one of the two women philosophers whom Plato recognized as teachers of Socrates. Her biography is subject to debate, but she is still famous for her knowledge of rhetoric and her skill in debate. The deep dark color of the cabinet combined with gilded embellishments truly makes this pice stand out among others. Height 119 cm = 46.9 inches Width 98cm = 38.6 inches Depth 48 cm = 18.9 inches