Napoleon III box. Marquetry. France, 19th century. Rectangular wooden box with a flat lid and supported by circular legs, with a front opening with a locking key and a hinged, folding top lid. Inside, there is a horizontal, flat space with edges highlighted with two lines of light marquetry (as is the lower area of the lid and the inside of the folding part of the front), and three drawers beneath it, also highlighted with light details. These types of pieces were used to hold different items (writing materials, jewellery, documents, etc.) either during travel or to be placed on a table and used there. The exterior decoration, centred on the front and top, consists of delicate compositions with a plant theme and a strong classicist influence made with wood of different tones: shields, flowers, scrolls, cartouches, leaves, etc. The sides of the box are highlighted only with lines of wood in a lighter tone. In general, the decorative elements, arranged with harmony and symmetry in various tones and light colours (rosewood, fruit, etc.), are sought to stand out against the dark tone of the rosewood. These types of boxes or chests were very common throughout the 19th century in Europe. During the time of Napoleon III (emperor from 1852 to 1870), they were usually decorated with both Boulle-style marquetry and wood, with works from houses such as the Maison Berthet & Peret standing out (a work preserved in private collections).
· Size: 58,5x38,5x22 cms
ANTIQUES
Ref.: ZF0895
