Pair of Empire style ormolu and marble mounted pedestals

This very elegant pair of pedestals was crafted in 20th entury France, its design inspired by the refined Empire style. Hugely popular in the early 19th century during Napoleon I’s reign, the style is characterised by a rich use of gilded ornaments as well as Egyptian motifs, all features visible on the pieces in Mayfair Gallery’s collection.  

Each pedestal has a rounded top mounted with a richly veined maroon marble. The frieze below is adorned with a repeated ormolu motif depicting ribbon tied garlands. Three more ornate mounts are placed in between the garlands, above each of the three legs.  

The tapering legs are topped by a winged ormolu eagle, a link to the Egyptian style popularised by Napoleon’s early 19th century campaigns in Egypt. The three legs terminate with ormolu mounts shaped to depict human feet.  

The piece stands on a triangular frame with concave sides as well as ormolu squashed bun feet.  

Celebrating the decorative styles of ancient Egypt and the fine craftsmanship of French artists, these pedestals would be a superb addition to one’s interior on which other decorative objects, such as a pair of vases, could be displayed.