Swedish Biedermeier Birch Ormolu Mounted Sofa Table, 19th Century

This is a stylish antique Swedish birch Biedermeier sofa table with ebonized detail, circa 1820 in date. The table features a rectangular top with a drop flap to each side above a useful frieze drawer. It stands on a gilt and ebonized fluted Doric column pedestal on a shaped platform base raised on ebonized lion’s paw feet. The grain of the wood is truly breathtaking and the quality and attention to detail on display throughout this large and sturdy piece are second to none. Condition: In excellent condition having been beautifully cleaned and waxed in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation. Dimensions in cm: Height 74 x width 129 x depth 68, flaps up Height 74 x width 90 x depth 68, flaps down Dimensions in inches: Height 29.1 x width 50.8 x depth 26.8, flaps up Height 29.1 x width 35.4 x depth 26.8, flaps down Biedermeier period refers to an era in Central Europe during which arts appealed to common sensibilities in the historical period between 1815, the year of the Congress of Vienna at the end of the Napoleonic Wars, and 1848, the year of the European revolutions. Although the term itself is a historical reference, it is predominantly used to denote the artistic styles that flourished in the fields of literature, music, the visual arts and interior design. Biedermeier was an influential style of furniture design from Germany during the years 1815-1848, based on utilitarian principles. The period extended into Austria and Scandinavia. Throughout the period, emphasis was kept upon clean lines and minimal ornamentation. As the period progressed, however, the style moved from the early rebellion against Romantic-era fussiness to increasingly ornate commissions by a rising middle class, eager to show their newfound wealth. The idea of clean lines and utilitarian postures would resurface in the 20th century, continuing into the present day. The Biedermeier style was a simplified interpretation of the influential French Empire Style of Napoleon I, which introduced the romance of ancient Roman Empire styles, adapting these to modern early 19th century households. Biedermeier furniture used locally available materials such as cherry, ash and oak woods rather than the expensive timbers. Biedermeier furniture and lifestyle was a focus on exhibitions at the Vienna applied arts museum in 1896. The many visitors to this exhibition were so influenced by this fantasy style and its elegance that a new resurgence or revival period became popular amongst European cabinetmakers. This revival period lasted up until the Art Deco style was taken up. Biedermeier also influenced the various Bauhaus styles through their truth in material philosophy.