Napoleon III Showcase Cabinet in Wood, Ormolu and Glass, France, 1880s

Exquisite Napoleon III style showcase, made of wood, ormolu and glass trimmings. The woodwork is extraordinary, but the richness of its decorative ormolu, mercury-gilded bronze and chiseled fittings, which are distributed throughout the piece, is especially noteworthy. This slender piece of furniture is elevated on four legs, all of them with sablots. The cornice is profiled, as is the marble top. Inside, it has two easily removable glass shelves. Light, practical and versatile furniture that can be used for both storage and display.

Napoleon III or Second Empire style and era

The Napoleon III or Second Empire style gets its name from the fact that it was born in France at that time. Strictly speaking, the Second Empire was proclaimed in 1852 and ended in 1870, led by Louis Napoleon Bonaparte as emperor of the French, although in the artistic sense it extended a few more years (until 1880). This style was very popular among the French bourgeoisie. The emperor himself was involved in the artistic development of the time, although more linked to architecture. However, it is to the Empress Eugénie that the evolution of the decorative arts is due.

Although inspired by the styles of the past, starting with Classical Antiquity, the Renaissance, even Louis XVI, much loved by Eugenie, the most representative characteristic of the style is the sumptuousness and ostentation, always aspiring to show wealth and opulence.

It is not a style designed specifically for the Second Empire, but a recovery of the various great French styles of previous centuries, a kind of compilation of French decorative trends. Special reference is made to Louis XIV, Louis XV, Baroque and Rococo, and little by little Louis XVI, with an eclectic base. In short, the decorative styles that had positioned France at the forefront of interior design and furniture design in Europe, both for quality and for originality and beauty.

They are pieces with great ornamentation. Something very common was the application of elements that simulated bronze, as in this case the brass filleting. Upholstery also lived a moment of splendor, almost completely hiding the structure of the chairs and armchairs. Dark woods were usually chosen, or stained or lacquered in dark colors, which harmonized with the rich upholstery and gilded details.

Overall dimensions: 142 x 65 x 36 cm.

Glass shelves 30 cm apart.

Marble top: 2 cm thick.

Leg height: 35 cm.