Napoleon III sideboard (late 19th century), marble, Boulle marquetry.

Napoleon III sideboard in blackened wood, marble, tortoiseshell and inlaid brass marquetry. Very beautiful contrasts of materials, very good general condition. It opens with a slightly curved leaf, thanks to its original key and lock, revealing 2 fixed shelves which offer a beautiful storage space. But that does not lie its beauty. Because it is well closed, firmly camped on its thick plinth inlaid with brass and decorated with gilded bronzes, topped with its original white marble with rounded corners, which lets all its splendor burst forth. The so-called boulle marquetry (brass) on a black background, borrowed from the louis XIV style, was all the rage at the end of the 19th century and splendid furniture made according to the rules of the art. This one offers beautifully crafted lateral bronzes representing, on the uprights, two identical angels, holding a vine of leaves on their chests. Placed on a brass stand, his head stuck under the gilded cornice above, he seems to contemplate the void on the edge of a cliff. In the center of the sides, surrounded by brass, we also find two faces resembling roman divinities, surrounded by flowers. Not a single place that has not been thought out, adorned, magnified by brass or bronze. The red parts are tortoiseshell and they are very successful. On the door, a majestic oval overflows with floral motifs and dreamlike arabesques, framed by geometric shapes that echo it between two gilded bronzes. Some signs of wear, the bottom is cracked and a few repairs here and there, but it is complete, in excellent general condition and of very beautiful craftsmanship. A sparkling piece, vibrant with history. Not bulky, moreover.