Style Napoleon III / Ref.10701
Julien-Nicolas RIVART (1802-1867) - Chiffonier Secretary desk in wood and porcelain marquetry Decorated of blooming roses
Dimensions
Width 28'' ¾ 73cm
Height 48'' 122cm
Depth: 13'' ¾ 35cm
Origin:
Between 1850 and 1867.
Status:
Rosewood, gilt bronze, porcelain marquetry. In very good condition.
This chiffonier secretary desk is lavishly adorned of gilt bronze, wood marquetry as well as flowers in porcelain inlays by Julien-Nicolas Rivart . The latter is the inventor of the porcelain marquetry technique, a unique process, searched for a long time and patented in 1849, he was the only one to master. We have here a fine example of these rare decorations with a bouquet of roses and yellow daisies, on a rosewood background. It is framed by the wood marquetry covering the entire piece, a more classical design but of exceptional quality.
Rivart , a skillful artist, achieved an aesthetic synthesis between the Florentine hard stone marquetry and the decoration of porcelain slabs from 18th century. He can hence combine the lightness of marquetry and its sophisticated contrasts effects, with the charm of painting on porcelain. The marquetry invented by Rivart enables these sophisticated hues to contrast directly with the wood, and prevents to hide the veins and the cabinetmaker's beautiful work. For that reason, at the World's Fairs of 1851, 1855 and 1867, this technique is described as "a delicious process", "yet more beautiful than beautiful", and receives the Emperor Napoleon III's congratulations.