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Empire Style Gilt-Bronze Mounted Bureau Plat by Maison Forest, circa 1900
About the Item
An Empire style gilt-bronze mounted bureau plat by Maison Forest.
Paris, circa 1900.
Bearing two labels to the underside: 'FOREST/TAPISSERIE/EBENISTERIE/31 RUE CAMBACERES.PARIS'.
This fine burr amboyna veneered bureau plat has a gilt-tooled leather writing surface above a central long drawer, flanked to each side by two short drawers. The tapering legs are headed by exceptional cast gilt-bronze mounts in the form of Egyptian sphinx heads and terminate in delicate and exceptionally rare cast bronze human feet with sandals.
Maison Forest
Maison Forest was established at 14 rue Pierre-Picard in 1883 and at 31 rue Cambaceres, Paris. The furniture created by Maison Forest is notable for its high quality gilt-bronze mounts and sophisticated decoration.
Empire Style
In 1804 Napoléon I crowned himself Emperor of France, ending years of political instability and signalling the dawning of the Empire period. His desire to firmly re-establish French Imperial grandeur gave rise to a distinctive vocabulary that became known as the Empire style.
The period was to see the revival of classical ideas and influences, primarily in the decorative arts. Napoleon's court was quick to adopt the classical designs discovered in the archaeological excavations of Pompeii and Herculaneum, together with exotic hieroglyphic motifs from the Egyptian campaigns. Revolutionary conquests were echoed in the use of antique forms in architecture and the decorative arts, proclaiming 'fame' and 'victory'. The use of these ancient designs and motifs, celebrated France as the heir to these great civilisations, imbuing it with the grandeur of Greece, the glory of Rome and the magnificence of the Pharaohs.
Typical Empire motifs included the sphinx, acanthus leaves, anthemions (stylised honeysuckle), animal-paw feet, cornucopia, classical figures, lyres and rosettes. For ornamentation, gilt-bronze was a prerequisite.
The most influential architects of the Empire style were Charles Percier (1764-1838) and Pierre-François-Léonard Fontaine (1762-1853). Official architects to Napoleon I, their main responsibility was the renovation of the various royal residences, including Malmaison. Their Recueil des décorations intérieures, published in 1812 became the essential handbook of the Empire style.
After the fall of Napoléon, the Empire style continued to be in favour for many decades, with only minor adaptations. The second half of the 19th century was to see a revival of the style, and the popularity of its strong but simple lines continues to the present day.
Literature:
Ledoux-Lebard, Denise. Le Mobilier Français du XIXe siècle, (Paris), 2000; p. 200.
Jean-Pierre Samoyault, 'Mobilier français Consulat et Empire',Gourcuff Gradenigo, (Paris), 2009.
- Creator:Maison Forest (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 30.32 in (77 cm)Width: 55.91 in (142 cm)Depth: 33.08 in (84 cm)
- Style:Empire (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1900
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Brighton, GB
- Reference Number:
Maison Forest
The furniture crafted by esteemed French manufacturer Maison Forest during the late 19th century exceeds every metric of quality. Established in 1883 at 14 rue Pierre Picard in Paris, Maison Forest created exquisite pieces in the Louis XVI, Empire and Napoleon III styles.
Maison Forest was known for its range of cabinets, armchairs and writing desks that were made with meticulous attention to detail and an incorporation of only the finest materials. Its breccia marble-topped commodes, ebony cabinets with stone overlays and mahogany writing desks — which were embellished with leather surfaces and cast gilt-bronze mounts at the ends of their tapered legs — are prized by collectors and added notes of grace to any interior of the era.
Some of the furniture of Maison Forest was inspired by the work of Parisian designers such as Guillaume Benneman, who created furnishings for interiors at royal residences in the manner of Jean-François Oeben and Jean-Henri Riesener, a favorite of Marie Antoinette and whose work was exemplary of the neoclassical style.
Maison Forest moved its facilities at least once to 31 rue Cambaceres and later exhibited its offerings at the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 Chicago.
On 1stDibs, find antique Maison Forest case pieces, seating, tables and more.
About the Seller
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The British Antique Dealers' AssociationLAPADA - The Association of Arts & Antiques Dealers
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Brighton, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
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