Meridian Napoleon III, France XIXth

Magnificent meridian - day bed - deck chair - bench with burgundy tapestry, raspberry pink, off-white. Magnificent meridian of the napoleon III - second empire period with a wide backrest curved outwards giving a very comfortable seat. The trim and upholstery are new. The patterns and borders are in burgundy velvet and raspberry pink. Toad style with fringes on the edge. Original blackened wooden legs. Sold with its matching tapestry cushion. Wonderful french work from the 19th century. Excellent condition. The second empire style, also called napoleon III style, is an architectural, furniture and clothing style, born in france under the second empire, under the impetus of emperor napoleon III and empress eugenie. He enjoyed great success with the french bourgeoisie between the 1860s and 1880s. Emperor napoleon III wishing to surround himself with a sumptuous court, he tried to reconnect with the splendour of the first empire and to give a boost to french industry through his orders. While striving to preserve ancient know-how, napoleon III encouraged the development of new techniques. But the evolution of the decorative arts is due more to the action of the empress eugenie than to that of the emperor. The empress is very attracted to the styles of the past, especially the louis XVI style. She gives an important place in her apartments to marie-antoinette's furniture or those who are inspired by it.

Ref. : HWBRFAHC