French Gilt and Marble Occasional Table in the Empire Style

Of circular form, constructed in Amboyna, rising from giltwood bun feet, the platform base of tripartite incurved form, centered with a fire gilt bronze waisted vase, finely chased and decorated with foliates, sitting on a square stepped base: The three tapered legs of Grecian female herm type, the gilt bronze heads adorned with palmettes, and flanked by Palmyrean gilt bronze sunbursts, and at the bases, gilt bronze feet. The dished Red Griotte marble top shows the ‘partridge eye’ ammonite inclusions to advantage.

Charles Percier and Pierre Fontaine.

After studying classic architecture and designs in Italy, Greece and Egypt, they produced designs for the leading French ebenistes of the day, including the Jacob family, and Adam Weisweiler: the Parisian landmarks of the Arc de Triomphe and the arcaded Rue du Rivoli are testaments to their genius. Their collection of designs, ‘Recueil de Decorations Interieures’, published between 1801-1812 contains a prefatory essay insisting on total harmony within the chosen theme, down to the most minute detail, which informs interior decorators even today.