André-Charles Boulle (1642-1732)

Among the furniture in René Simeoni's collection, three top names in French furniture stand out: André-Charles Boulle, Bernard II Van Riesenburgh (B.V.B.R.) and Pierre Roussel.

Boulle marquetry combines lavish elegance with the most refined materials. The undisputed essence of the French style desired by Louis XIV, this technique has been admired for over three centuries.

Claude-François Julliot (1727-1794) probably commissioned these two pieces of furniture stamped Joseph, which were in the Comte de Merle’s collection. They are beautiful examples of the resurgence of copper and tortoiseshell "Boulle" marquetry early in the Louis XVI period.

The Simeoni collection, containing museum-quality 18th-century furniture by Bernard II Van Risen Burgh (B.V.R.B.), Boulle and Pierre Roussel, received the hoped-for acclaim.

The sumptuous gilt bronze chandelier with six arms measuring nearly 2.5 ft high, attributed to André-Charles Boulle is thought to be the one mentioned in the sale held by the 'merchant Dubois' on December 20, 1785. Estimated between €100,000/150,000 by Ader, it will be on view at Drouot in rooms 1-7, on December 20.

The Paul-Dupuy and Fabre Museums and the Château de Fontainebleau made the most of this top-quality, period collection.

This past Friday, the French craftsmanship of the Ancien Régime took center stage. A rare cabinet in stained wood, attributed to André-Charles Boulle fetched €404,480, a chest of drawers in Coromandel lacquer stamped Pierre Roussel sold € 410, 800 and a folio cabinet by BVRB garnered for €1,264, 000.

This chandelier from a property in the region of Lyon stands out among the accompanying decorative objects and period furniture: it is attributed to André-Charles Boulle.

This sale was a delightful invitation to explore centuries of the past and indulge in reverie—whatever Molière might think.

This lavish English replica of the great Louis XIV cabinetmaker’s iconic chest of drawers attests to the Victorian "Boulle revival".