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Cherry Wood (bois de Sainte Lucie) Coffer, with Bronze Hardware

Offered by: L' Antiquaire & The Connoisseur, Inc.

Description
Due to the sumptuary laws these very expensive carved boxes of rare hard wood took the place of the gold silver and Boulle boxes that had been popular for weddings just before this period. This rectangular box known as Bois de Bagard, produced in Lorraine at the end of the 17th century and into the 18th Century, is a type of cherry wood with a reddish tone and fine grain called Saint-Lucie found in the regional forest of Sampigney-en-Barrois, now destroyed. The term Bois de Bagard became associated with these objects through Cesar Bagard (1620-1704), Court Sculptor to Duke Charles IV de Lorraine, who lived and worked in Nancy during the reign of Louis XIV. Bagard has been incorrectly linked with the production of these wares, which were more likely produced by a family of Nancy sculptors by the name of Foulon. A document dated 1751 by the Benedictine monk Dom Calmet stated that “Many small objects are made out of bois de Sainte-Lucie in Lorraine which are exported to foreign parts. And this occupies numerous workers. The Foulons were famed for this and produced many works for the Dauphin."

This rectangular box has a slightly arched top, centered by the arms of the Greder family of Neufchatel, placed in a square escutcheon set on edge and topped by a ducal coronet. Scrolling foliage ending in flower heads and paired fronds surround the armorial bearing within a cartouche framework, which is framed by four outer compartments; each with foliate motifs. The sides of the body are similarly decorated with flowering foliage; the front panel centered by a cartouche, the sides by a foliate urn-like form, and the back by a long necked bird. The original bronze fastening hooks and hinges remain intact.

More Information

Origin:	France
Period:	Pre 18th Century
Materials:	Cherry wood coffer with bronze hardware
Condition:	Excellent.
Creation Date:	1690-1700
Styles / Movements:	Baroque, Louis XIV
Book References:	Tempting Pandora. 2000. Page 127. H. Demoriane, “Bois de Bagard” Conaissance des Arts, January 1968. Page 91.
Dealer Reference #:	BOX 38 A
Incollect Reference #:	177597

Dimensions

W.	12.75 in;	H.	3.5 in;	D.	10.25 in;
W.	32.39 cm;	H.	8.89 cm;	D.	26.04 cm;

Message from Seller:

The gallery deals in European works of art, antiques and paintings from antiquity to the end of the eighteenth century. Under Mrs. Fioratti's direction, the gallery has continued to supply works of art to museums across America and Europe. She has designed interiors in the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East. Mrs. Fioratti has worked on architectural restorations, and restored a 10th century village near Siena.

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