19C French Second Empire Style 2 Tier Console

Presenting an absolutely stunning 19C French second empire style 2 tier console from circa 1860-80.

This Console/Breakfast Buffet is of the HIGHEST QUALITY. It was obviously made by a top maker…..the underside of the central drawer has a mark of three “X’s” (XXX). We have been unable to identify this mark but the quality of the piece in terms of its marquetry/parquetry inlay, it’s use of the highest quality kingwood, harewood, burl amboyna and walnut is OUTSTANDING. The ormolu mounts are also of the highest quality and the central ormolu plaque is EXCEPTIONAL in its detail of cherubs and a Bacchanalian/harvest scene.

We have ‘no doubt’ that this was made by a top maker such as Francois Linke or one of his contemporaries.

CONDITION: Overall the piece is in very good condition. There are one or two minor losses of veneer and some bubbling, but this does not detract from its beauty.

Provenance: From the Private Collection of a Dallas Collector. Originally from Persia who purchased the piece in Europe circa 25 years ago.

Second Empire style, also known as the Napoleon III style, was a highly eclectic style of architecture and decorative arts, which used elements of many different historical styles, and also made innovative use of modern materials, such as iron frameworks and glass skylights. It flourished during the reign of Emperor Napoleon III in France (1852–1871) and had an important influence on architecture and decoration in the rest of Europe and North America. Major examples of the style include the Opéra Garnier (1862–1871) in Paris by Charles Garnier, the Bibliothèque nationale de France, the Church of Saint Augustine (1860–1871), and the Philadelphia City Hall. The architectural style was closely connected with Haussmann’s renovation of Paris carried out during the Second Empire; the new buildings, such as the Opéra, were intended as the focal points of the new boulevards.