This gilded bronze and mirrored plateau or centerpiece was made by the Parisian firm Denière et Matelin circa 1817, during James Monroe's presidency. Elements of the plateau may have been based on designs by the famed French architects Charles Percier and Pierre Fontaine, who completed many commissions for Napoleon. Visitors marveled over the elegant piece, shown here in the White House State Dining Room.

The case of this gilded bronze mantel clock was made by Denière et Matelin of Paris. The figure standing beside the clock housing is Hannibal, the Carthaginian military commander and a famed war strategist of the ancient world. The clock commemorates Hannibal's great victories during the Punic Wars between Rome and Carthage.

This is the makers mark for a gilded bronze mantel clock made by Denière et Matelin of Paris that features a figurine of Hannibal, the Carthaginian military commander and a famed war strategist in the ancient world.

This bronze doré, or gilded bronze, basket is from the White House Collection. The basket was created circa 1817 by Denière et Matelin of Paris, France. The basket was part of the French purchases made by President James Monroe for the White House in 1817. Bates Littlehales photographed this basket in 1962.

This bronze doré, or gilded bronze, basket is from the White House Collection. The basket was created circa 1817 by Denière et Matelin of Paris, France. The basket was part of the French purchases made by President James Monroe for the White House in 1817. Bates Littlehales photographed this basket in 1962.

This image shows the intricate detail of a gilded bronze and mirrored plateau or centerpiece made by the Parisian firm Denière et Matelin circa 1817, during James Monroe's presidency. Charles Percier, Napoleon's architect, may have designed the 14-foot long plateau, which features neoclassical motifs such as fruit, vines, and figures of Bacchus and Bacchantes. This photo shows details of the candle holders, which are sculpted female figures.

This gilded bronze trepied, or stand, was possibly made by the French firm Denière et Matelin around 1817, when James Madison and then James Monroe held office. The motifs of ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome inspired the design of the stand.

This gilded bronze and mirrored plateau or centerpiece was made by the Parisian firm Denière et Matelin circa 1817, during James Monroe's presidency. Elements of the plateau may have been based on designs by the famed French architects Charles Percier and Pierre Fontaine, who completed many commissions for Napoleon. Visitors marveled over the elegant piece, shown here in the White House State Dining Room.

This gilded bronze basket is attributed to the French firm Denière et Matelin of Paris. It was purchased for the White House State Dining Room in 1817, when James Madison and then James Monroe held office. The basket depicts the Three Graces, Greek goddesses of beauty and charm, and would have held fruit or flowers.