A Napoleon III Bureau Plat

c. 1870

A Napoleon III Bureau Plat (English, c. 1870) attributed to the cabinet-maker John Webb (English, 1779-1880), after a model by André-Charles Boulle (French, 1642-1732). The rectangular ormolu-molded top is set with a black leather writing surface. The table top corners are ornamented with satyr masks. The long sides of the table are set with three drawers. The central drawer has a raised ormolu satyr mask escutcheon along the bottom at center with dolphin-cast handles. This drawer is flanked on each side by Bacchante masks. The smaller side drawers have cartouche shaped escutcheons. The short sides of the table are centered with gilt bronze mask, one grinning and the other weeping, representing the philosophers Democritus and Heraclitus. Ormolu female mounts protect and ornament the corners of the table which is supported by four cabriole legs ending in paw feet. The drawers and legs are inlaid with curling brass foliate designs.

English

tortoise shell

leather

brass

wood

32" x 75 1/2" x 34 1/2"

Gift of the Estate of Mr. Frederick H. Prince, 1963.

PSNC.463