Carved and gilded wooden chair, napoleon iii, 19th century – france excellent carved and gilded wooden chair, napoleon iii style and period. It features a floral plume on the backrest and a double latticework on both the seat and backrest. Its structure plays on the contrast between the straight lines of the backrest and the curves of the almost circular seat. The stipe legs are scalloped in a spiral. The backrest is divided into three vertical sections that divide the field of view in two and form a finely carved floral garland. napoleon iii or second empire style and period the napoleon iii or second empire style is so named because it emerged in france at that time. Strictly speaking, the second empire was proclaimed in 1852 and ended in 1870, led by louis-napoleon bonaparte as emperor of the french, although in the artistic sense it extended for a few years longer (until 1880). This style was very popular among the french bourgeoisie. The emperor himself was involved in the artistic development of the time, although more closely linked to architecture. However, it is empress eugénie who is credited with the evolution of the decorative arts. although inspired by styles of the past, beginning with classical antiquity, the renaissance, and even louis xvi, much beloved by eugénie, the style's most representative characteristic is its sumptuousness and ostentation, always aspiring to display wealth and opulence. it is not a style designed specifically for the second empire, but rather a recovery of the various great french styles of previous centuries, a sort of compilation of french decorative trends. Special reference is made to louis xiv, louis xv, baroque, and rococo, and gradually to louis xvi, based on eclecticism. In short, these are the decorative styles that had positioned france at the forefront of interior and furniture design in europe, both for quality and for originality and beauty. style: napoleon iii materials: carved and gilded wood period: late 19th century country of origin: france good condition commensurate with its age and use overall dimensions: 98 x 38 x 46 cm seat height: 41 cm