Coiffeuse - Mahogany

Luis XV style dresser / vanity, floral marquetry, Napoleon III, 19th century - France

Exquisite powder room or dressing table in the Louis XV style, made in France during the Napoleón III era of the 19th century. Excellent craftsmanship, featuring extraordinary marquetry of good quality; different woods are used for the ornaments, both polygonal and floral. This lightweight dressing table stands on four carved legs, with the front two fitted with sabots. Its profile features a mixed-mullioned front with two panels (despite appearing as five), as well as a removable writing tray with embossed camel leather, thus transforming it into a bureau or desk. All fittings, including the handles, are made of mercury-gilded bronze and then chiseled.

The envelope features delicate floral decorations, thanks to the combination of different-toned plates. It is this floral envelope that lifts, with two side flaps and a central one, revealing the magnificent dressing table. Once opened, a mirror is revealed in the middle, and storage space on the sides. Interestingly, these spaces on the front are treated as if they were drawers, complete with handles.

Lightweight, practical, and versatile furniture.

More about the Louis XV Style

The Louis XV Style is an artistic style, especially present in decorative arts, that developed during the reign of Louis XV (1715-1774). Initially, the term 'Louis XV Style' referred to a characteristic type of chairs, but it soon extended to all the arts of the period. This style was created by cabinetmakers as a result of significant technical advances in furniture manufacturing. It is associated with the architectural style known as Rococo. Like Rococo, it features abundant decoration and detail, in contrast to the later 'Louis XVI Style,' which is more straightforward.

Napoleón III style and period or Second Empire

The Napoleon III style or Second Empire is named because it originated in France at that time. Strictly speaking, the Second Empire was proclaimed in 1852 and ended in 1870, led by Louis Napoleon Bonaparte as Emperor of the French, although artistically it extends a few more years (until 1880). This style was very popular among the French bourgeoisie. The emperor himself was involved in the artistic development of the period, although more connected with architecture. However, it is Empress Eugenia who is credited with the evolution of decorative arts.

Although inspired by past styles, starting with Classical Antiquity, the Renaissance, and even Louis XVI, whom Eugenia greatly admires, the most characteristic feature of the style is its luxury and ostentation, always aiming to showcase wealth and opulence.

It is not a style specifically designed for the Second Empire, but rather a revival of the various major French styles from previous centuries, a kind of compilation of French decorative trends. Special reference is made to Louis XIV, Louis XV, Baroque, and Rococo, gradually including Louis XVI, based on eclecticism. Ultimately, these are the decorative styles that positioned France at the forefront of interior design and furniture design in Europe, both in terms of quality and originality and beauty.

Their pieces feature elaborate ornamentation. A very common practice was the application of elements that simulated brass, such as in this case the brass lining. Upholstery also experienced a period of splendor, almost completely hiding the structure of the chairs and armchairs. Dark woods were usually chosen, either stained or lacquered in dark colors, which harmonized with the rich upholstery and the gold details.

The style soon spread across other European countries, taking on different names. In the UK and its colonies, it is known as Victorian style, although with some differences.

Dimensions:

Closed: 76 x 78 x 43 cm
Open: 114 x 125 x 43 cm.

The shipping costs include custom-made professional packaging; personalized shipping with tracking number and warranty.