Very beautiful mahogany and mahogany veneer somno, called "all faces" with detached columns simulating Doric ones. Equipped with a black marble top, it is distinguished by its rich decoration of chiseled gilded bronzes giving it all its refinement: mask of Apollo in a circle of water leaves crossed by a beam, crown of oak leaves retained by a long ribbon, two cornucopias framing the keyhole and opening button in the shape of a flower, Athenian women with the head of a ram welcoming the sacred fire. Work that can be compared to the works of Charles-Joseph Lemarchand (1759-1826).
 
This new form of somno with columns underlines the evolution of this small piece of furniture hitherto limited to the form of a pedestal.
It is thus similar to a miniature secretary whose opening is done by a door at the front and no longer at the back.
 
The one presented opens with a leaf revealing two shelves and a frieze drawer.
 
Under the Empire, the ornamentation of the somno is less oriented on the theme of sleep or night. The decorations vary according to the theme chosen by their future owner.
Here, the presence of the God Apollo accompanied by the Athenians carrying the sacred fire refer to his divinatory attributes and those of the oracles. He knows the past and the future which he makes known to men.
 
Good used condition.
Trim of finely chiseled bronzes, in their original gilding.
 
Empire period.