| |
A superb Empire gilt bronze mounted mahogany toilette, the rectangular mahogany hinged top opening to reveal the original bevelled mirror set within the interior of the top with washing facilities below, the frieze front ornamented by a gilt bronze rosette and palmette mount above a rectangular front centred by a gilt bronze cast of Psyche holding a wreath, in the arms of a winged Cupid amid billowing drapery, the panelled sides both having doors fitted with hidden knobs which when pushed release a catch to allow the doors to open, the whole on a pedestal base on small turned brass castors
Paris, date circa 1810
Height 100 cm, width 56 cm, depth 48 cm.
The rectangular pedestal design of this elegant toilette follows the same lines as tables de nuit (bedside cabinets) of the same period. In many respects it can be compared with certain tables de nuit made by the esteemed Parisian firm of Jacob-Desmalter et Cie including at least two made for the Emperor Napoleon. One in Napoleon’s bedroom at Château de Fontainebleau features a mounted oil lamp on the front (illustrated in Madeleine Deschamps, “Empire”, 1994, p. 31) while another from the Emperor’s bedchamber, Château de Versailles, Grand Trianon, features a gilded vase on its front (illustrated Léon de Groër, “Les Arts Décoratifs de 1790 à 1850”, 1985, p.81, pl. 129). Unlike the table de nuit the present piece has a mahogany rather than marble top and is thus lighter allowing it to be opened up to reveal a fitted mirror within its interior. Given its small size as compared with other toilettes, its compact design as well as the fact that it is on castors it is very probable that it was made for one of Napoleon’s officers for use on various campaigns. The doors on either side are ingeniously designed, having no exterior handles they can be opened by pushing a concealed knob that releases a hidden catch. Such a clever design as well the quality of the gilt bronze mounts implies that the piece was made for an important client
|
|
/images/left.gif){kind=small}
