Biedermeier table, c. 1820.

Biedermeier table, c. 1820.
Elm and fruit wood.
Preserves key.
Presents restorations.
Measurements: 73 x 70 x 50 cm.
The Biedermeier style showed a simplified interpretation of the influential French Empire style of Napoleon I, which introduced stylistic characteristics of the ancient styles of the Roman Empire, adapting them to the modern homes of the early nineteenth century. Biedermeier furniture used locally available materials, such as cherry, ash and oak woods, rather than expensive woods such as fully imported mahogany. While this wood was available near commercial ports such as Antwerp, Hamburg and Stockholm, it was heavily taxed whenever it passed through another principality.