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376 - Guillaume BIENNAIS (1764-1843), attributed to A pelta-shaped…
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Estimate €8,000 - €12,000
Sale commission
Description
Guillaume BIENNAIS (1764-1843), attributed to A pelta-shaped burr ash paperweight chest, opening to a drawer, with ormolu decoration depicting a mask of Mercury surmounting a wreath of laurel leaves, resting on claw feet. 1st Empire period. H: 60 cm, W: 60 cm, D: 43.5 cm Historical background: A master table-maker before the Revolution, Biennais developed this activity under the Consulate and the Empire, supplying a number of games tables, bed tables, kits and writing cases. There are several known paper clamps of this type in the shape of an antique shield, designed to hold correspondence. Although luxurious, this type of paper chest was quite common in wealthy homes during the Empire. Two examples that belonged to Murat are preserved in the Capodimonte palace, near Naples. The paperweight took its place in the writing room, in this case Josephine's boudoir, where it was already located when the empress was living at Malmaison. This small, elegant, secret piece of furniture held incoming mail, which at first glance raises a mystery as there is no visible opening. On closer inspection, however, we can see that the thin pages of letters or reports could be inserted into the slots in the curved top of the cabinet. To consult mail that was hidden from view and inaccessible, it was necessary to use a key that opened the lock, hidden under a bronze medallion.
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About the sale The Empire at Fontainebleau - Second day
Auction location
Auction time 06/21/2026 at 10:30 AM
Lot description modified on 06/10/2026 at 9:58 AM
Pictures credits:
Michel Bury and Henri du Cray
See original version (French)
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