Boulle Style Chest Of Drawer Sfrom 19th C.

Royal Antique is honored to present this sumptuous two-door cabinet or armoire, of museum quality, perfectly illustrating the revival of the Boulle style during the French Second Empire. This exceptional piece is a brilliant testament to the taste for opulence and refinement that characterized the Napoleon III period, skillfully reinterpreting the work of the master cabinetmaker André-Charles Boulle (1642-1732).

Exceptional Materials and Techniques:

• Boulle Marquetry: This cabinet is entirely adorned with the renowned Boulle marquetry, combining with unparalleled mastery thin sheets of brass (gilt) and tortoiseshell, inlaid into a richly varnished ebony ground. The intricate patterns, often floral, in arabesques and acanthus scrolls, create a striking contrast and a dazzling play of light on the dark surface.

• Gilt Bronze Mounts (Ormolu): The structure is sumptuously enhanced by finely chased gilt bronze (ormolu) mounts. These ornaments include elegant caryatids, friezes with foliage motifs, openwork corner chutes, and delicate sabots, which not only protect the furniture's corners but also contribute to its architectural grandeur and regal appearance. The quality of the chasing and gilding is exemplary, attesting to a high level of craftsmanship.

• Marble Top: The piece is surmounted by a thick, dark-colored marble top, often Belgian black marble or Portoro, with subtle veins, which adds both solidity, elegance, and a luxurious contrast with the marquetry and bronze.

Design and Features:

• Architectural Form: The cabinet presents an imposing and balanced silhouette, typical of ceremonial furniture from the 19th century. The two main doors, richly decorated with large marquetry panels, are flanked by pilasters or vertical uprights also adorned, accentuating its monumental aspect.

• Classical and Mythological Motifs: Beyond the vegetal motifs, it is common to find elements inspired by Antiquity, such as masks, mythological figures, or allegorical symbols, integrated into the marquetry or the bronze mounts, reinforcing the historical and noble character of the piece.

• Interior Details: The interior of the cabinet typically reveals shelves or a spacious compartment, often in exotic wood, demonstrating the functionality of this type of furniture, designed for the display or storage of precious objects.

Historical Context and Collector's Appeal:

This cabinet perfectly embodies the revival of Louis XIV and Louis XV styles under Napoleon III, where the demand for richly adorned ceremonial furniture was immense. Second Empire cabinetmakers, such as the illustrious Maison Cremer, Paul Sormani, or Henri Dasson, produced Boulle-style pieces of exceptional quality, often faithful to the original models or reinterpreting them with a contemporary touch. This type of furniture was prized by the aristocracy, the rising bourgeoisie, and international collectors, eager to display their taste and wealth.

This Boulle-style cabinet is more than just a piece of furniture; it is a work of art that transcends time. It will bring a touch of historical elegance and undeniable grandeur to any classical interior, library, or reception room, constituting a valuable investment for any connoisseur of French furniture art.