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Antique kingwood, gilt bronze and vernis Martin side cabinet

Offered by: Mayfair Gallery

Description
Antique kingwood, gilt bronze and vernis Martin side cabinet
French, 19th Century
Height 116cm, width 97cm, depth 44cm

This kingwood cabinet is an exquisite piece of antique French furniture, which is decorated with beautiful vernis Martin panels. Vernis Martin is a type of imitation lacquer, which first became fashionable in the 18th Century. The technique was perfected by the Martin family—French lacquerware artists active in the Louis XV period—hence the name ‘vernis Martin’ (Martin varnish). The Vernis Martin method was inspired by the lacquerware that was imported into France in the 18th Century from East Asia.

The cabinet is covered by a variegated white and red marble top. Its body features a bombé (curved) front, typical of Louis XV style furniture. The cabinet's frieze accommodates a drawer, the front of which is mounted with a vernis Martin depiction of cherubs in flight. The sides of the frieze feature vernis Martin images of musical instruments. Gilt bronze (ormolu) espagnolette (female bust) sculptures are mounted onto the upper corners of the cabinet's front.

The middle of the cabinet contains a compartment with two shelves, which is kept behind a door decorated with a vernis Martin panel. This portrays a courtship scene—or ‘fetes galantes’—featuring a young shepherdess and lamb and a couple playing music together in an Arcadian landscape. Vernis Martin panels depicting extended views of this idealised landscape decorate the sides of the cabinet’s body. These panels are framed by gilt bronze reed-and-leaf borders. They are indistinctly signed.

The cabinet stands on four short and slightly flared legs which are linked by a wavy apron. The apron is decorated on its front with a gilt bronze foliate motif. The legs terminate in gilt bronze (ormolu) leafy scrolled feet.

More Information

Origin:	France
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Wood, marble, ormolu, lacquered wood.
Styles / Movements:	Traditional
Dealer Reference #:	9185
Incollect Reference #:	397640

Dimensions

W.	38.19 in;	H.	45.67 in;	D.	17.32 in;
W.	97 cm;	H.	116 cm;	D.	44 cm;

Message from Seller:

Mayfair Gallery is a leading gallery in the field of art and antiques, holding a large collection of unique pieces for sale. The breadth of the gallery’s collection is wide, and includes items from a range of periods, styles and geographical origins, as well as works by famous artists and craftsmen. The main focus of the gallery’s collection is, however, on items produced during the 19th and early 20th century.