A pair of French 19th century Empire st. Belle Époque period Mahogany and Ormolu armchairs

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A handsome and most impressive pair of French 19th century Empire st. Belle Époque period Mahogany and Ormolu armchairs. Each armchair is raised by square tapered legs with richly chased paw feet and finely carved recessed panels at the front,... — Read More

Item # 11086
H: 41 in L: 24 in D: 24 in
H: 104 cm L: 61 cm D: 61 cm
Seat Height: 19.5 in
France
19th Century
Mahogany, Ormolu
Belle Époque Period Read More, Empire st. Read More

(Belle Époque Period) - Gaining its name from the optimistic and peaceful period of time between 1871 and World War I, Belle Epoque means “beautiful period”, and occurred during the era of the Third French Republic. This period of economic, colonial, and scientific prosperity brought with it a flourishing artistic climate with numerous literal, musical, theatrical, and visual masterpieces being created. The Eiffel Tower, which was constructed between 1887 and 1889, served as the entrance to the World’s Fair held in Paris. That same year, the Moulin Rouge cabaret in Paris was founded and showcased the now more mainstream styles of performance including can-can dancing. Belle Epoque dancers and singers were Paris celebrities and became immortalized by the poster arts of Toulouse-Lautrec. Leading up to this period in 1865, the American Civil War was coming to a close, with France proposing to construct the Statue of Liberty as a joint effort with the United States. France would be responsible for the statue, with America constructing the pedestal. Created to celebrate the nation’s success in building a viable democracy, the statue would stand as a symbol of friendship between the French and American people.

(Empire st.) - Neo-Classical in style, it was inspired by the decorative motifs and characteristics of Greco-Roman models, characterized as noble and massive. Mahogany, Rosewood, and Ebony were the preferred woods. Brass or gilt mounts in the form of swags, festoons, laurel wreaths, torches, and mythological creatures were used. Also common were the Napoleonic emblems of the bee, the crown, and the letter "N". After Napoleon conquered Egypt, he was so inspired by what he saw there, and he instructed his cabinet makers to include designs of sphinxes, Cariatides, and other Egyptian figures, in their creations.

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