Napoleon III period ormolu mounted marquetry centre table

The centre table stands on four marquetry and parquetry cabriole legs which terminate in leafy scrolled ormolu (gilt bronze) feet. The tops of the legs are mounted with ormolu espagnolette (female bust) sculptures with foliate flourishes.

These legs support the table top, which is edged with a shaped apron. This is finely inlaid with marquetry work, depicting light-coloured flowers, foliage and birds, offset against a dark brown background. These marquetry designs are framed by parquetry borders. The front of the table contains a drawer, the front of which is mounted with an ormolu keyhole and escutcheon.

The table top is of wavy oval shape and is edged with an ormolu band, decorated with beading, leaf and ovolo motifs. The top is elaborately ornamented with a marquetry design. This features a central medallion enclosing a flower bouquet, and a shaped outer border containing flower trails and birds. These images are rendered using light woods and offset against deep brown backgrounds. The top features other decorative borders, created by the natural grain of the wood and by parquetry work.