Object Description
These wonderful guéridons are designed in the Empire style—named as such because it flourished in the period when Napoleon I was Emperor of France. The style employed Imperial Roman and ancient Egyptian motifs, such as the wreath, palmette (or anthemion), rosette, sphinx, and war trophy.
The guéridons feature circular tops which are edged with gilt bronze (ormolu) bands. These are set on friezes which are decorated with gilt bronze wreaths and rosettes flanked by stylised palmettes. Each guéridon stands on four straight squared legs which taper towards their bases. The legs are topped by gilt bronze female bust sculptures, with gilt bronze palmettes just below. These legs are linked by X-form stretchers, centred on gilt bronze foliate and flame finials. The legs terminate in gilt bronze human feet.