Boulle Marquetery Console Napoleon III

Boulle Marquetery Console, Second Empire Style period. Tortoise shell, Stain and Brass Inlay, Gilt Bronze, 19th century.

This console in the Napoleon III style and of the same period is impressive by its overall quality.
The 19th century is marked by a revival for past styles and the emphasis is on the quality of the craftsmen.
Here a complex  Boulle marquetry covers all the sides. The pattern is enhanced with 3 colours, i.e. 3 layers instead of the usual two.
Each edge and each panel is decorated with gilded bronzes with finely chiseled rows of pearls, of spears and acanthus leaves. Three heads of Bacchus punctuate the central panel. The highlight of this ormulu is the pair of caryatids figuring fauns of a rare size.
Known for their playfullness they're the spirit of this console.