Louis XVI Revival Bonheur Du Jour | By Diehl

A distinguished example of 19th-century French cabinet furniture, this Louis XVI Revival Bonheur Du Jour showcases the refined elegance typical of the Napoleon III period. Combining Parisian craftsmanship with exceptional artistry, this exquisite piece embodies the distinctive features that define the era’s decorative arts.

Origin: France, by Charles Guillaume Diehl
Date: Circa 1880
Material: Mahogany, featuring intricate marquetry and ormolu mounts
Dimensions: Height: 138.5 cm (54.5 inches); Width: 83 cm (32.7 inches); Depth: 47.5 cm (18.7 inches)
Condition: Superb condition, with outstanding original finish and minor sympathetic restorations

This Bonheur Du Jour is a rare collaboration from the celebrated Parisian cabinetmaker Charles Guillaume Diehl, the accomplished designer Jean Brandely, and marquetry specialist E. Varlot. Reflecting the opulent Louis XVI Revival style, its crisp proportions, superb materials and decorative brilliance echo pieces in world-class collections, such as the Musée d'Orsay and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The raised superstructure with multiple compartments offers both a striking visual focal point and cleverly organised storage – a hallmark of Diehl’s most coveted work.

Notable Features:

• Masterful marquetry: The writing surface and superstructure are adorned with finely detailed marquetry, executed with remarkable precision and artistic flair.
• Ormolu mounts: The robust, straight mahogany legs are ornamented with exquisite, gilded bronze mounts, delivering a rich decorative accent consistent with the finest Napoleon III bureaux and buffets with hutch.
• Authentic Louis XVI style: Elegantly tapered legs and balanced classical lines channel the sophistication of late 18th-century French design, revived for a 19th-century connoisseur clientele.
• Collectable heritage: Charles-Guillaume Diehl’s reputation as a master cabinetmaker and multiple exhibition medallist ensures this piece holds strong collecting value, particularly given its collaborative provenance and exceptional craftsmanship.
• Versatile elegance: With its stately presence and practical storage, this Bonheur Du Jour makes a remarkable statement as a focal display piece, a functional writing desk, or the centrepiece in a period interior.

For collectors and decorators seeking a striking example of 19th-century cabinet furniture, this French mahogany Bonheur Du Jour offers peerless artistry, provenance, and lasting desirability—a true testament to the enduring prestige of Diehl’s celebrated atelier.