Lot Essay
With its foliate carved legs, paw feet, and applied ormolu mounts, this center table epitomizes the classical style that emerged during the first quarter of the 19th century. Furniture of this period as depicted in this center table, emphasized simple, yet solid forms ornamented by ormolu mounts inspired by classical motifs and mythology. Many times, these cast ot stamped brass ornaments were imported from France and England. This type of decoration was a prominent aspect of furniture design that often served as a symbol of economic status and good taste, Cooper, Classical Taste in America (New York, 1993), p. 184.
This particular center table is based on the French Empire style created by Percier and Fontaine, architect designers to Napolean, whose influence on the decorative arts was apparent long after the Emperor's fall at Waterloo in 1815. Percier and Fontaine's furniture designs comprised of antique forms and ornaments attempted to convey the "Napoleonic conception of grandeur, with its assurance, stability and sense of order," Grandjean, Empire Furniture (London, 1966), p.31.
The Empire style elements that are evident in this center table were transmitted from France to America by way of Percier and Fontaine's pattern book consisting of 72 plates, Recueil de Decoration interieures comprenant tout ce qui a rapport a l'ameublement, completed in 1812. In addition, emigre ebeniste such as Charles Honore Lannuier brought with them the skills necessary to produce Empire stlye furniture in America and inspired other New York cabinetmakers to create sophisticated classical furniture as well. The New York craftsmens' Empire designs differed from Percier and Fontaines in that they did not rely on heavily ornamented, carved or gilded decorations that would have been appropriate to Napolen's palaces. Instead, the New York cabinetmakers emphasized large expanses of mahogany, white marble and fine gilded detail as illustrated in this center table.
A similar, less embellished table was sold in these Rooms, October 21, 1994, lot 123.
This particular center table is based on the French Empire style created by Percier and Fontaine, architect designers to Napolean, whose influence on the decorative arts was apparent long after the Emperor's fall at Waterloo in 1815. Percier and Fontaine's furniture designs comprised of antique forms and ornaments attempted to convey the "Napoleonic conception of grandeur, with its assurance, stability and sense of order," Grandjean, Empire Furniture (London, 1966), p.31.
The Empire style elements that are evident in this center table were transmitted from France to America by way of Percier and Fontaine's pattern book consisting of 72 plates, Recueil de Decoration interieures comprenant tout ce qui a rapport a l'ameublement, completed in 1812. In addition, emigre ebeniste such as Charles Honore Lannuier brought with them the skills necessary to produce Empire stlye furniture in America and inspired other New York cabinetmakers to create sophisticated classical furniture as well. The New York craftsmens' Empire designs differed from Percier and Fontaines in that they did not rely on heavily ornamented, carved or gilded decorations that would have been appropriate to Napolen's palaces. Instead, the New York cabinetmakers emphasized large expanses of mahogany, white marble and fine gilded detail as illustrated in this center table.
A similar, less embellished table was sold in these Rooms, October 21, 1994, lot 123.