Charles X reigned as King of France from 1824 to 1830. He was the third son of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, and brother of Louis XVIII. During his reign, France experienced great economic and political turmoil. His rule was marked by a conservative, authoritarian approach. He attempted to restore the monarchy while limiting the power of the press, the judiciary and the legislature. He was an unpopular monarch and was ousted from office in 1830, and later exiled to Scotland and Prague, where he died in 1836. In terms of furniture style, this was a period of transition between the opulent Empire period and the more romantic Louis-Philippe era. There was greater use of the soft, curved line. Pieces were on a smaller scale and made of lighter colored wood. In general, there was a lessening of the formal, rather rigid constraints typical of the Empire period. Greater artistic license was permitted.

 

Bronze may be patinated in two manners – through firing at a foundry or via the application of colors, varnishes and waxes outside of the oven.  It can also occur as a natural process of oxidation. The process produces a rich, aged appearance and also protects the metal underneath.