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Dive into the grandeur of the Napoleon era with this refined Napoleon III Louis XVI Revival Bonheur Du Jour. Designed by Jean Brandely, meticulously crafted by Charles Guillaume Diehl, and adorned with intricate marquetry by E. Varlot, this writing desk is a testament to the superior French craftsmanship of the 19th century.
The piece marries aesthetic splendor with practical design, embodying the tastes of the era. It exemplifies the revival of Louis XVI’s Neoclassical style during Napoleon III’s reign, a period known for its penchant for luxury and the revival of past stylistic periods.
The Bonheur Du Jour showcases intricate marquetry, featuring charming scenes of nature, flora, and fauna, gracefully rendered across its surface. These meticulously inlaid scenes breathe life into the rich mahogany, creating an enchanting visual narrative. Varlot’s expertise shines through in the marquetry, making each scene appear almost lifelike.
Enhancing the elegance is the lavish use of ormolu mounts, a characteristic feature of the Louis XVI Revival style. These gilded bronze accents, immaculately crafted and polished to a high sheen, adorn the desk’s edges, legs, and drawer pulls. The ormolu mounts offer a variety of designs, including delicate geometric patterns and stylized motifs, all reflecting the Neoclassical design sensibility.
The desk features a raised superstructure with multiple compartments, serving both as an aesthetic focus and practical storage space for letters, documents, and writing tools. Beneath this, a larger writing surface, adorned with the same spectacular marquetry, provides ample space for writing or reading.
The desk stands on robust, straight legs, ornamented with exquisite ormolu mounts. These elegantly tapered legs, characteristic of the Louis XVI style, perfectly balance the visual weight of the desk and contribute to its stately presence.
This Napoleon III Louis XVI Revival Bonheur Du Jour is not merely a piece of furniture; it’s a work of art. Reflecting a period of exceptional craftsmanship and aesthetic refinement, it serves as a remarkable addition to any sophisticated collection of antiques and decorative arts.
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Stock Number: 3512
This rarefied unique piece is subject to availability.
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Telephone: +44 (0) 207 6920 897
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