Antique Biedermeier Viennese Empire Chest, circa 1810

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Antique Biedermeier Viennese Empire Chest, circa 1810

About the Item

This is a rare and truly magnificent antique Viennese Biedermeier Empire chest, circa 1810 in date. It is made from walnut with line inlaid decoration and ebonized columns. This piece is of the highest quality and is in excellent condition, the brass handles and the locks are all original. Condition: You are viewing this item in original condition - any restoration that is required will be done before delivery and is included in the price. Dimensions in cm: Height 97 x width 125 x depth 61. Dimensions in inches: Height 3 feet, 2 inches x width 4 feet, 1 inch x depth 2 feet, 0 inches. Walnut The walnut woods are probably the most recognizable and popular of all the exotic woods, having been used in furniture making for many centuries. Walnut veneer was highly priced and the cost would reflect the ‘fanciness’ of the veneer – the more decorative, then the more expensive and desirable. Figured walnut and burr walnut (often referred to as Burl walnut) were considered as the most attractive varieties of walnut. Burr walnut veneer was taken from the specific part of the tree where ‘growths’ sprouting smaller branches and/ or roots would occur. As these ‘growth’ areas were limited in both occurrence and size, larger veneers were hard to source and often on bigger furniture (tables, desks, bureaus, cabinets etc.), these veneers would have to be carefully joined by matching up the pieces or blending them together. Biedermeier period, refers to an era in Central Europe during which arts appealed to common sensibilities in the historical period between 1815, the year of the Congress of Vienna at the end of the Napoleonic Wars, and 1848, the year of the European revolutions. Although the term itself is a historical reference, it is predominantly used to denote the artistic styles that flourished in the fields of literature, music, the visual arts and interior design. Biedermeier was an influential style of furniture design from Germany during the years 1815–1848, based on utilitarian principles. The period extended into Austria and Scandinavia. Throughout the period, emphasis was kept upon clean lines and minimal ornamentation. As the period progressed, however, the style moved from the early rebellion against Romantic-era fussiness to increasingly ornate commissions by a rising middle class, eager to show their newfound wealth. The idea of clean lines and utilitarian postures would resurface in the 20th century, continuing into the present day. The Biedermeier style was a simplified interpretation of the influential French Empire Style of Napoleon I, which introduced the romance of ancient Roman Empire styles, adapting these to modern early 19th century households. Biedermeier furniture used locally available materials such as cherry, ash and oak woods rather than the expensive timbers such as fully imported mahogany. Biedermeier furniture and lifestyle was a focus on exhibitions at the Vienna applied arts museum in 1896. The many visitors to this exhibition were so influenced by this fantasy style and its elegance that a new resurgence or revival period became popular amongst European cabinetmakers. This revival period lasted up until the Art Deco style was taken up. Biedermeier also influenced the various Bauhaus styles through their truth in material philosophy.

Dimensions:
Height: 38.19 in (97 cm)Width: 49.22 in (125 cm)Depth: 24.02 in (61 cm)
Place of Origin:
Germany
Period:
1810-1819
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1810
Condition:
Seller Location:
London, GB
Reference Number:
Seller: 037491stDibs: LU95065685903