Napoleon III Ebonized Wood Pedestals 

This pair of Napoleon III pedestals exhibits exceptional artistry and craftsmanship. Constructed of ebonized wood, these monumental stands evoke the best elements of 18th- and 19th-century design, with doré bronze mounts, painted porcelain plaques and black Nero marble tops. Boasting an elegant neoclassical shape, these pedestals stand just over four feet tall and shimmer with mother-of-pearl inlay.

The Napoleon III period, sometimes called Second Empire, incorporated the best elements of France’s illustrious historical styles. Usually crafted of mahogany and ebony, furniture of the period was adorned with inlay of box, holly, pear and walnut woods, as well as porcelain, tortoiseshell, mother-of-pearl and ormolu ornaments.

Largely due to the influence of Emperor Napoleon III, who wished to have his name associated with the classical grandeur of Rome and cement his place in French history, the decorative style of the mid- to late-19th century is distinguished by a vast mixture of styles from previous centuries. Eclecticism reigned as craftsmen revisited the most opulent styles from decades past and created their own elaborate versions. Artisans were inspired by the Renaissance age, Boulle furniture of the Baroque period and the Louis XVI style. These pedestals represent the opulent and eclectic designs of this popular era.

Circa 1870
16 1/4” wide x 11 3/4” deep x 49 1/2” high