Object Description
This is a stylish antique Swedish Biedermeier Period birch console/card table and overmantle mirror, circa 1880 in date.
The table’s rectangular birch top is raised on a set of four turned legs and opens to form a card/games table.
The rectangular mirror consists of a superbly carved architectural frame in honey coloured birchwood with ebonized highlights. It features a shaped cornice with a rectangular shaped cut out birchwood panel above the original mirror glass.
The grain of the wood is truly breathtaking and the quality and attention to detail on display throughout this large and sturdy piece are second to none.
Condition:
In really excellent condition having only been beautifully cleaned and waxed in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 77 cm x Width 90 cm x Depth 45 cm – Console
Height 74 cm x Width 90 cm x Depth 90 cm – Card Table Open
Height 172 cm x Width 87 cm x Depth 8 cm – Mirror
Dimensions in inches:
Height 2 foot, 6 inches x Width 2 foot, 11 inches x Depth 1 foot, 6 inches – Console
Height 2 foot, 5 inches x Width 2 foot, 11 inches x Depth 2 foot, 11 inches – Card Table Open
Height 5 foot, 8 inches x Width 2 foot, 10 inches x Depth 3 inches – Mirror
Biedermeier period,
refers to an era in Central Europe during which arts appealed to common sensibilities in the historical period between 1815, the year of the Congress of Vienna at the end of the Napoleonic Wars, and 1848, the year of the European revolutions.
Although the term itself is a historical reference, it is predominantly used to denote the artistic styles that flourished in the fields of literature, music, the visual arts and interior design.
Biedermeier was an influential style of furniture design from Germany during the years 1815–1848, based on utilitarian principles. The period extended into Austria and Scandinavia.
Throughout the period, emphasis was kept upon clean lines and minimal ornamentation. As the period progressed, however, the style moved from the early rebellion against Romantic-era fussiness to increasingly ornate commissions by a rising middle class, eager to show their newfound wealth.
The idea of clean lines and utilitarian postures would resurface in the 20th century, continuing into the present day. The Biedermeier style was a simplified interpretation of the influential French Empire Style of Napoleon I, which introduced the romance of ancient Roman Empire styles, adapting these to modern early 19th century households. Biedermeier furniture used locally available materials such as cherry, ash and oak woods rather than the expensive timbers,
Biedermeier furniture and lifestyle was a focus on exhibitions at the Vienna applied arts museum in 1896. The many visitors to this exhibition were so influenced by this fantasy style and its elegance that a new resurgence or revival period became popular amongst European cabinetmakers.
This revival period lasted up until the Art Deco style was taken up. Biedermeier also influenced the various Bauhaus styles through their truth in material philosophy.
Our reference: A407a