Object Description
This is a stylish antique Swedish Biedermeier Period birch with ebonised detail console table, circa 1830 in date.
The rectangular burr birch top is raised on a pair of ‘S’ scroll supports united by a platform undertier and raisd on lion’s paw feet.
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.
Purchased at great expense from Rupert Cavendish in November 1999, Invoice is attached in photos.
Condition:
In really excellent condition having only been beautifully cleaned and waxed in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 78 cm x Width 109 cm x Depth 49 cm
Dimensions in inches:
Height 2 foot, 7 inches x Width 3 foot, 7 inches x Depth 1 foot, 7 inches
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Although the term itself is a historical reference, it is predominantly used to denote the artistic styles that flourished in the fields of literature, music, the visual arts and interior design.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 such as fully imported mahogany.
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: A4020