Exhibition labels & didactics - National Gallery of Victoria

66
Martin-Guillaume BIENNAIS
French 1764–1843
Empress Josephine’s Letter Box
Serre-papiers de l’Impératrice Joséphine
c. 1805–10
tree root, Ebony (Diospyros sp.), gilt bronze
Fondation Napoléon, Paris
Acquisition 1991 inv. 50
Used to store letters and personal papers,
this serre-papiers (paper holder), was
produced for Empress Josephine’s boudoir
at Malmaison. The cabinetmaker Biennais
conceived this highly original form, based
on the profile of an ancient classical shield.
The precious materials, rich decoration and
masterful finish of this letter box exemplify
the extreme refinement operating at
Malmaison where Jospehine fostered trends
and encouraged feats of rivalry amongst the
leading French craftsmen of her day.
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