LIBRARY CABINET France, Louis XVI period incorporating... Lot 92

LIBRARY CABINET France, Louis XVI period incorporating Louis XIV period panels Oak frame; brass; pewter; ebony; mirror; gilt bronze H. 242 cm, W. 138 cm, D. 53 cm Luxurious and extravagant, this type of furniture with neoclassical forms is characteristic of the interest of collectors in "Boulle" marquetry during the reign of Louis XVI. Spearheading this revival, cabinetmakers Adam Weisweiler (1744 - 1778) and Philippe-Claude Montigny (1743 - 1800) reused marquetry panels and gilt bronze fittings created by André-Charles Boulle (1642 - 1732) in their own frames to create new pieces of furniture that would feature both neoclassical orthogonal forms and sumptuous decoration. To do this, Weisweiler and Montigny cut out and reused elements from large cupboards or cabinets on new frames, as shown here, respecting the tripartite structure invented by Boulle. Etienne Levasseur (1721 - 1798) executed Boulle furniture sometimes identical to the originals, others are more marked by the neoclassical spirit and do not cause confusion. This is the case of the piece of furniture we are presenting. These pieces of furniture were most often marketed during the years 1760 - 1780 by merchant-merchants like Claude-François Julliot (1727 - 1794), and collected by rich amateurs. From then on, furniture in "Boulle" marquetry was highly sought after by collectors wishing to furnish and decorate their study, library or art gallery. The marquetry of ebony, copper and pewter characterizes this two-piece piece of furniture from the late 18th or early 19th century. The slightly recessed upper part presents two glazed leaves in "Boulle" marquetry frames. The interior is fitted with shelves. The lower part opens to two full doors with radiating pewter, brass and gilded bronze frames on an ebony background. This decoration continues on the sides. It is supported by four turned "pine cone" feet.