Antique Vernis Martin style display cabinet from the Napoleon III period. France, 19th century.

Description: Antique Vernis Martin style display cabinet from the Napoleon III period. The shape is the classic demi-lune with a central door painted with a gallant scene and internally adjustable shelves to suit your needs. Laterally, it has the same layout as the front, but with paintings depicting rural scenes, all enclosed between bronze trim. The top is in red French marble and is surrounded by beautiful, expertly chiseled bronze frames. The feet are in the shape of a cabriolet ending with bronze socks and are connected by a curvilinear band. Historical Notes: One of the most famous lacquer surface finishes in cabinet making is of French origin and takes the name of Vernis Martin, a technique developed in 1728 in Paris by the Martin brothers and aimed at imitating the then highly requested oriental lacquers, especially including the Chinese and Japanese, which were extremely expensive. Based on the use of copal, had the characteristic of being able to be applied with relative ease even on surfaces with strong curvatures, that other lacquers could not tolerate well, while being extremely delicate especially in the case of contact with water. The large number of layers that composed it also made it possible to obtain perfect connections between nearby surfaces or with different finishes. With the historical revival of 18th century taste in the 19th century, the lacquering techniques of the time were also recovered and the furniture made in style decorated again with this type of finish. Origin: France (1880/90) Conditions: Good condition. Measurements: 70x35 H160cm. Document: Certificate of Authenticity. Assistance: We are at your disposal for further clarification or photographic details. Shipping: Throughout Italy, Europe and the Rest of the World at very low prices in maximum safety and traceable. Shipping will be agreed privately and will be not expensive. We wish you a good day. Borrelli Antiques.