French Empire Still Reigns Supreme on Bidding Floor in Drouot Paris...

By Lauren Stewart-Ebert

This stunning French Empire period "bureau plat" (writing table) recently sold at Drouot in Paris for a robust $220,000. Although the piece was originally estimated at only $12,000 to $17,000, it was perhaps the attribution to François-Honore Georges Jacob-Desmalter (the designer of furniture for Empress Josephine) that encouraged the bidding.
Napoleonic furniture usually features exotic woods (in this case, yew wood and mahogany) and elaborate ormolu mounts.

French Empire secretary in amboyna veneer mounted on pine with ormolu mounts, c. 1815.

French Empire "athenienne" (washstand) in yew wood with ormolu mounts, c. 1814.

The Empire style stands apart from prior eras in French design because it was strongly influenced by outside sources. An evocation of Egyptian, Greek and Roman style is evident in the furniture and the architectural elements of the period.

Marble and bronze fireplace with Egyptian motif.

Napoleon's apartment at the Louvre in Paris.

Such high quality pieces are increasingly hard to find with each passing year. This French Empire writing table will not only be an aesthetic pleasure to its new owner, but also a significant investment...