It’s not a jewel, but M.S. Rau’s latest treasure could rival one. The New Orleans antiques dealer has acquired a rare silver-gilt claw-foot reading lamp, commissioned by none other than Emperor Napoleon III and custom-made by Alexis Falize, the celebrated French royal jeweler.
A Rare Royal Relic
Crafted around 1865, the lamp is adorned with turquoise medallions and colored glass screens. Priced at $48,850, it is currently available through M.S. Rau. Bill Rau, the third-generation owner of the antiques gallery, emphasizes its uniqueness:
“It is exceedingly rare to encounter such an exquisite masterpiece by the 19th century’s most renowned jeweler, Alexis Falize, and even more extraordinary for it to have been owned and used daily by someone as monumental as Emperor Napoleon III,” Rau told JCK.
He added, “This is not merely a work of art but a tangible link to the opulent world of the Second Empire. Adorned with intricate details, precious materials, and imperial insignia, this lamp stands as a testament to the unparalleled skill and creativity of its maker and the refined taste of its royal owner.”
A Masterpiece by Alexis Falize
Alexis Falize, celebrated for his innovative designs and mastery of techniques such as cloisonné enamel, drew inspiration from a variety of artistic traditions, including Japanese, Islamic, and Renaissance art. His craftsmanship attracted Europe’s elite, including royal families and the Russian imperial court.
A Glimpse Into History
The lamp stands approximately 17.5 inches tall and features a pearl-adorned sphinx on its base. It retains its original Moroccan leather case, embossed with a crown and the letter N—a nod to Napoleon III’s imperial reign. Napoleon III, the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte, ruled as emperor of France from 1852 to 1870.