NAPOLEON III MARQUETRY SHOWCASE IN THE BERAIN STYLE

Napoleon III showcase in blackened wood veneer inlaid with fillets, delicate volutes, foliate scrolls and brass flower vases. The arabesques and decorative fantasy of these compositions recall the marquetry designs of Bérain (1640-1711), a French ornamentalist and designer of the King's Chamber and Cabinet whose style, inspired by grotesque art, marked the era of Louis XIV. The display case opens with two partly glazed doors and stands on turret feet. Inside are three wooden shelves. The main face and sides are adorned with ormolu falls and moldings, chased with flowers and jagged foliage. This Louis XIV-style ornamentation was very much in vogue in France under Napoleon III. The use of dark wood and decorative motifs inspired by antique styles make this display case a typical piece of furniture from the Napoleon III period. XIX° period, Circa: 1850 Dim: W:88cm, D:33cm, H:158cm. In very good condition, with slight wear to the wood, and restoration of the brass marquetry on the lower left panel.