Object Description
A pair of gilt-bronze, parquetry and marble pedestal by Alexandre Hugnet, Paris
French, Late 19th Century
Height 122cm, width 43cm, depth 43cm
Made by the Parisian craftsman Alexandre Hugnet, son of the cabinet maker Ainé Hugnet, whom Alexandre succeeded at his Faubourg Saint Antoine atelier in 1880, these fine pieces were made towards the end of the nineteenth century. Hugnet is perhaps best known for winning a Silver Medal at the 1889 Exposition Universelle, and worked predominantly in the Louis XVI style, though his style incorporated elements of other periods.
This fine pair of pedestals consists of marble tops, parquetry faces, and gilt-bronze mounts, in a bombe shape, with curving faces and short gilt feet. The decoration is expressive yet refined, combining Louis XV style with Louis XVI refinement. The faces feature a simple yet effective parquetry cross-hatched design, and the marble itself is a naturally pleasing pattern and colouration. A vibrant and elegant pair, they are bound to enliven and enrich any worthy interior space.