Napoleon III, who was Napoleon Bonaparte’s nephew, reigned as was Emperor of France from 1852 to 1870.  His tenure marked the height of the Second French Empire, a period of economic growth, modernization and territorial expansion.  In terms of decorative style, this brought creative freedom and broader access to products that had previously only been available to the very wealthy.  The exuberant shapes and decoration of the past, based on 17th and 18th century styles, were adapted to this more modern era, corresponding to a time of innovation.  And, growing middle and upper classes commissioned furniture to consolidate their standard of living, with abundance and comfort becoming hallmarks of design. There was an abundance of inspiration, a profusion of materials and a richness of decoration during Napoleon III’s reign.

 

Gold leaf refers to thin sheets of gold that have been hammered into a fine metallic finish used in gilding and decorative applications.  It gave a very luxurious feeling to furnishings and objects of art.

 

Antique beveled glass refers to an ancient glassmaking process where the edges of glass are cut and polished at an angle to create a beveled edge.  Beveling enhances the reflection of light and adds a decorative touch to the glass.  This process was commonly used in mirrors, windows and doors, especially in the Victorian era.