Overview
A superb late 19th century French Vernis Martin vitrine cabinet, dating to circa 1880, retaining its original marble top, gilt bronze ormolu mounts, and beautifully painted pastoral panels. A refined example of the Louis XV revival taste popular during the Belle Époque period - combining decorative richness with elegant practical utility.
Key Features
- French, circa 1880 - Louis XV Revival, Belle Époque
- Original marble top retained
- Richly mounted frieze with intricate gilt bronze ormolu mounts
- Two glazed doors opening to glass shelving and fabric-lined interior
- Hand-painted Vernis Martin pastoral panels to the lower section
- Romantic pastoral figures framed in delicate gilt borders
- Slender cabriole legs terminating in ormolu sabots
- Ideal for displaying porcelain, objets d'art, or fine glassware
Craftsmanship & Detail
The serpentine marble top sits above a richly mounted frieze adorned with intricate gilt bronze mounts - the two glazed doors opening to reveal glass shelving and a fabric-lined interior of generous proportions. The lower panels feature hand-painted Vernis Martin scenes depicting romantic pastoral figures, framed in delicate gilt borders with the characteristic warmth and luminosity associated with the finest examples of this celebrated lacquer technique. The slender cabriole legs terminating in ormolu sabots give the piece both lightness and grace entirely in keeping with the Louis XV revival aesthetic. A cabinet of considerable decorative richness and elegant presence throughout.