LE COFFRE À BIJOUX DE L’IMPÉRATRICE JOSÉPHINE

Rare rectangular jewelry chest on removable base, in flamed mahogany, decorated with cut, polished and faceted steel plates, and five medallions in blue and white Wedgwood porcelain cookie decorated with antique-style scenes. It features a carrying handle on the sides and top, and a secret lock on the front, concealed by a metal plate bearing Josephine Bonaparte's interlaced monogram "JB" (replaced by the Malmaison model). The two-tiered interior is lined with red morocco, with the first tier consisting of a tray divided lengthwise into four compartments, and the bottom tier also divided into deeper compartments. The Gothic-style chest can be assembled or disassembled by means of two square-headed screws on either side of the wall, and a movable key that allows it to be screwed onto a stand or parquet floor. It rests on a rectangular base with four mahogany sheath feet without crossbeams, also adorned with steel plates and a central octagonal medallion in Wedgwood porcelain bisque. Good condition, with a few minor chips. With its two keys. Consulate period (1799-1804). Attributed to Martin-Guillaume BIENNAIS (1764-1843) and Reynard SCHEY (1760-1816) for the steel ornamentation. Cabinet dimensions: H. 49 x W. 27 x D. 20 cm. Total dimensions with base: H. 92 x W. 49 x D. 28.5 cm. Provenance - Josephine Bonaparte (1763-1814), Empress of the French from 1804. - Given by Joséphine to her intendant, M. Louis Pierlot (1766-1826). - Mentioned in the succession of her estate in 1833 (see below). - Then to her son, Auguste Pierlot (1795-1864). - Bernard Croissy, Biennale des Antiquaires, Paris, 2006. - Private collection. - Osenat sale, June 9, 2013, lot 146 (sold for €312,500). - Private collection, Paris. Related works Empress Joséphine's jewelry chest by Biennais, Consulate period (c. 1802-1804), in the Musée national des châteaux de Malmaison et de Bois-Préau (inv. M.M.93.5.1). Very similar in construction to our example, although different, and certainly richer, but without Wedgwood plates, this jewelry chest, with its more sophisticated interior that doubles as a writing desk, is signed by Biennais, the First Consul's goldsmith. Its dimensions are virtually identical: 94 x 49 x 32 cm. Josephine's monogram "JB" is chased in the center of the oval plate concealing the lock. The steel parts of the decoration, very similar to ours, are attributed to Reynard Schey, a polished steel manufacturer in Paris. In the inventory of Josephine's belongings at Malmaison in 1814, he is listed in her bedroom as having "a small chest-shaped table in root wood with steel trim" (under no. 491). Literature Exhibition catalogue, Joséphine intime, Musée du Luxembourg, March 12 - June 29, 2014, RMN, Paris, 2014, cat. 109. History Our remarkable little piece of mahogany furniture, typical of the Consulate period, belongs to the category of travel necessities as it was easily dismantled and transported, but it also served Empress Josephine's daily needs, from the end of the Consulate and during the Empire. A "little brother" of the Malmaison trunk (see above), which is signed by Biennais but may also have been made by Reynard Schey (in which case Biennais may only have been responsible for the interior fittings, which are more complex than ours, and would have put his signature on the lock), our unsigned trunk can also be attributed to these two famous Parisian craftsmen. The particularly refined decoration features polished and faceted steel fittings, a Schey specialty. At the end of the 18th century, steel work, already very popular for furniture and jewelry decoration, became increasingly important with the revolutionary regulations banning the use of precious metals. There are several other examples of small chests adorned with steel that were used by Josephine, including one by cabinetmaker Félix Rémond, delivered in 1806 and also kept at Malmaison. The Malmaison chest is currently on display in the Empress's chambre ordinaire in the same place it occupied during the Empire, so it's likely that Joséphine used it on a daily basis and may have ordered another for her travels or simply to hold her vast quantity of jewels. It was the first chambermaid who looked after the Empress's jewel box and kept the key. Josephine's passion for diamonds, cameos and intaglios is well known, as are the countless precious stone ornaments she wore as part of her toilette.