Object Description
Monumental Napoleon III Silvered and Gilt Bronze Surtout de Table
French, circa 1860
Mirrored Plateaux: Height 15 cm, Width 96 cm, Depth 76 cm
Candelabra: Height 74 cm, Width 41 cm, Depth 38 cm
Two-tier Tazza Epergnes: Height 48 cm, Diameter 26 cm
This magnificent and large-scale Napoleon III surtout de table garniture comprises ten pieces in silvered bronze, ormolu, and cut glass, conceived as an opulent centrepiece ensemble for a grand dining table. The set includes two large mirrored plateau trays, two seven-light candelabra, and six two-tier tazza epergnes, all unified by an elaborate Rococo Revival hunting theme.
Across the entire garniture, the decorative programme is consistently developed through dynamic hunting scenes and naturalistic ornament. The pair of candelabra rise from richly cast bases of scrolling acanthus and rockwork, with stems applied with silvered putti entwined in foliage. From these emerge seven sweeping branches, each terminating in floral-form candle nozzles, creating a dramatic upward movement.
The six tazza epergnes are formed with two graduated tiers of scalloped cut-glass dishes, supported by finely cast ormolu stems. Their bases are animated by silvered figures of hounds and deer depicted in energetic pursuit among rococo scrolls, foliage, and rugged naturalistic terrain, all resting on scrolling feet. The combination of glass and metalwork produces a layered, highly decorative effect intended for the presentation of desserts and fruit at formal banquets.
The two mirrored plateaux are of shaped outline and framed with pierced silvered borders enriched with bold ormolu rocaille scrolls, acanthus leaves, and foliate cartouches. The mirrors enhance the brilliance of the ensemble by reflecting both candlelight and the glass elements above, amplifying the theatrical impact typical of Napoleon III table displays.
The interplay of gilt bronze, silvered surfaces, and cut crystal is highly characteristic of the finest Parisian production during the Second Empire, when workshops of the Faubourg Saint-Antoine produced extravagant garnitures for aristocratic and imperial interiors. Complete ensembles of this scale and thematic coherence are now exceptionally rare.
This example stands out for its ambitious scale, unified hunting narrative, and the richness of its Rococo Revival design vocabulary, making it a striking statement of mid-19th century French decorative arts.