The present lot, with its refined àl’antique form, incorporating with pewter and ebony medallions and with classical ram’s head capitals, is a fine example the oeuvre of Martin Guillaume Biennais (1764-1843) and the entrepreneurial innovation taking place in the late 18th century. Biennais began working as a tabletier in 1789, which is defined as one who has expertise in goods made primarily on the lathe in precious materials such as ivory, tortoiseshell and exotic woods. With the changing tastes as a result of shifting political atmosphere, particularly of those of the Emperor, Biennais began working more with metalsmithing, eventually gaining the post of official Silversmith for the Emperor. Working in Paris, Biennais crafted works for the French Court for the Palais des Tuileries as well as Saint Cloud and Fontainbleau. At the turn of the century, Biennais often looked to designs by Percier & Fontaine, inspired by antique forms, and started to execute more ambitious works like the athénienne made for Napoleon I in the Louvre (OA 10424). Records indicate the various methods of production he carried out in house, combining his expertise in silversmithing and vermeil with his many years of furniture production.