LADY’S BONHEUR DU JOUR IN THE NAPOLÉON III STYLE. FRANCE, SECOND HALF

An elegant lady’s Bonheur du Jour, made in France during the second half of the 19th century in the Napoléon III style, representing a distinguished example of fine cabinetmaking from the Historicist period. The piece combines refined ornament, accomplished craftsmanship and carefully considered functionality, characteristic of high-quality Parisian furniture of the period. The cabinet is distinguished by its particularly expressive proportions. The tall superstructure increases the visual presence of the piece and creates an intimate architectural setting around it, establishing the desk as the focal point of a lady’s boudoir. The composition is at once formal and inviting, combining classical architectural discipline with the decorative richness associated with the Second Empire. The wooden carcass is richly embellished with marquetry in contrasting timbers. The writing surface is decorated with finely executed inlaid motifs depicting musical instruments, Cupid’s quiver and arrows, the torch of love, floral garlands and ribbons, traditional emblems of affection, harmony and domestic happiness. These allegorical motifs emphasise the cabinet’s original function within a refined feminine interior. The superstructure is adorned with two oval porcelain portrait plaques in the style of the Manufacture de Sèvres. One reproduces the traditional portrait type of the Dauphin Louis XVII, while the second probably represents Marie Thérèse of France, known as Madame Royale. Both portraits are set within finely cast gilt-bronze frames decorated with ribbons, floral garlands and laurel motifs characteristic of French decorative arts under Napoléon III. The cabinet is raised on slender tapering legs with fluted decoration and finely applied gilt-bronze enrichments. Of particular note are the small bronze elements set within the channels of the fluting, an unusually refined detail indicative of the maker’s technical sophistication. The frieze is mounted with gilt-bronze ornaments comprising classical garlands and a central mask. The lower stretcher is centred by a decorative gilt-bronze vase, completing the balanced architectural silhouette. The fitted interior incorporates a central mirror, open shelves, a pull-out writing slide and practical compartments for writing implements and personal effects. The original key is included. Dimensions: Height: 133.5 cm. Width: 84 cm. Depth: 55 cm. Provenance: Private collection.

Estimate:$1,675.30

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