Pair of ormolu-mounted parquetry and marble pedestals by Hugnet

With marble tops and parquetry design, and the makers label under marble top, these superb pedestals were made in France in the late 19th century. They feauture curved, bombe forms, embellished with rich gilt-bronze ornamentation, and surmounted with small marble surfaces. The faces on each side consist of simple yet effective parquetry cross-hatching patterns, framed with limited yet expressive gilt-bronze elements, that mix Louis XVI refinement with Louis XV indulgence and luxury.

They were made by Alexandre Hugnet, son of the cabinet maker Ainé Hugnet. Alexandre succeeded his father at his Faubourg Saint Antoine atelier in 1880 and is best known for winning a Silver Medal at the 1889 Exposition Universelle. He worked predominantly in a Louis XVI style, though he incorporated elements of other styles and periods, to create exceptional pieces such as these.