Welcome to a video about this astonishing artistic trace of the early Napoleonic Empire. The empire style is an outstanding moment in the history of art, the decorative arts, or pre-industrial "antiques." It is perhaps the apex of European Neo-classicism, this aesthetic movement that began in the 1750s and which re-expressed the beauty of the ancient world.
This piece is not only a memorable example of empire furniture, but of the rarer Egyptian revival variety which technically belongs to the "consulate" period (the first facet of empire furniture). The use of ancient Egyptian motifs emerges earlier, but was especially in vogue in the wake of Napoleon's Egyptian campaign. This piece is also a fine example of Jacob-Desmalter's work, one of the most renowned furniture makers (firms) in art history. It could have indeed been made by other equally significant makers, but this attribution seems most likely, and it is in any case an emblematic example of art furniture from this time.
As usual, many thanks to all viewers, subscribers, and customers who make these videos possible. I hope they will intrigue seasoned enthusiasts as they may inform and interest newcomers, or anyone looking to better orient themselves while selecting "antiques" for their home.
Happy hunting,
Cole Myers
Myers & Monroe, LLC