General Clauzel's Charlex X Billiard Table

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General Clauzel's Charlex X Billiard Table

About the Item

The game of billiards has deep roots among the French elite and during the 1800s. This magnificent Charles X billiard table is superior in every way and was almost certainly made for General Bertrand Clauzel, a highly decorated military leader who was held in high esteem by both Napoléon and later, Louis-Philippe. It is exquisitely crafted of rosewood with elaborate inlay and adorned with fabulous doré bronze ball returns in the form of seraphic faces that drop open when the ball is pocketed. The massive legs are rendered in finely chiseled doré bronze that take the form of robust lion paws. In terms of quality, provenance and condition, it is one of the finest tables on the market. General Bertrand Clauzel General Clauzel (1772-1842) is one of the most respected and decorated military figures that served Napoléon Bonaparte during the Empire and Louis-Philippe during the Revolution. He began his military career in July of 1789 at the age of 17, and quickly rose the ranks in the war with Spain, eventually becoming the French ambassador by 1798. Clauzel commanded forces in locales throughout the world, including Italy, Spain, Holland, and the Caribbean. While under Napoléon's directorship, the general was distinguished with the honors of being made a Baron of the Empire and awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of the Reunion in 1813 by the emperor himself. Upon word of Napoléon's abdication, Clauzel returned to France, and for his years of service to his country, the Bourbons made him a Knight of Saint Louis and awarded him the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor. When word reached him that Napoléon had escaped Elba in 1815, he did not hesitate to rejoin the legendary leader, who in turn placed Clauzel in charge of defending the Western Pyrenees and made him a Peer of France. When Napoléon abdicated for the second and final time, Clauzel was forced to flee or face execution in France. The general sought refuge in Mobile, Alabama and spent the next five years living a secluded life as a farmer. In 1820, he would receive word from France that King Louis-Philippe granted him amnesty for his loyalties to Napoléon and was allowed to return to resume his military career and be created a Marshal of France. France and the Game of Billiards The French aristocracy, in particular, were enamored by the game of billiards. The term "billiard" is actually derived from the French word billart, meaning wooden stick, and bille, meaning ball. By the early 1800s, it had become known as the "Noble game of Billiards" and glorious tables such as this could be found in royal palaces and estates throughout Europe. Napoléon himself was known to have dabbled in the sport, and even had a billiard table installed by the British at his residence of Longwood House during his exile on St. Helena. Opulent in decoration, grand in scale and rich in history, these tables speak volumes about why the game captured the attention of kings and commoners alike. A majestic, early 19th century table such as this, with an intriguing provenance, beautifully restored and in excellent condition, is truly a remarkable and wonderful find.

Dimensions:
Height: 33 in (83.82 cm)Width: 55.5 in (140.97 cm)Depth: 103.5 in (262.89 cm)
Style:
Charles X (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Bronze,Rosewood
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
19th Century
Condition:
Seller Location:
New Orleans, LA
Reference Number:
Seller: 29-20661stDibs: LU891114021512