Antique French ormolu, brass and marquetry ebonised wood sideboard

Antique French ormolu, brass and marquetry ebonised wood sideboard
French, c. 1870
Height 110cm, width 154cm, depth 49cm
 
Manufactured in France around 1870, this sideboard is wonderfully decorated using a wide array of complex techniques.
 
The piece is surmounted by a maroon marble top naturally decorated with white and grey veining. Underneath it is an ormolu bead and reel frieze. The two central doors are inset with stunning marquetry floral panels. Each one displays a floral composition, the two being symmetrical reflections of one another. The flowers and foliage have been executed using numerous wood types, creating a play of tones, and adding depth to the composition. Richly cast ormolu mounts decorate the four corners surrounding the doors, while a crowned classical goddess ormolu mask proudly decorates the central column between the two doors. Both open to reveal two shelves and the ormolu escutcheon is richly decorated.
 
The central storage compartment is flanked by two convex bays. Each has one shelf inset with a quarter veneered straight banded tablets framed by ormolu borders. Brass inlay in the shape of thin strips is applied throughout the piece to complement the shining ormolu mounts and the ebonised wood carcass.
 
The body of the sideboard stands on a plinth base masterfully mounted with a scrolled acanthus shaped cartouche as well as a pair of rosette-shaped ormolu mounts. Four ormolu mounted bun feet proudly support the furniture piece.
 
Executed by some of the most skilled French cabinet makers of the late 19th century, this sideboard makes a wonderful addition to one’s interior and bridges the gap between the past and the present.