|
The wardrobe is veneered on oak with ebony and marquetry of brass and tortoise-shell; with bronze mounts chased and gilt.
The use of gilt-bronze in furnishings during the 17th and 18th centuries was one expression of the resurgence of a more refined lifestyle that developed during the 17th century. Its use became widespread during the reign of Louis XIV and contributed to the sumptuous and luxurious décor in grand interiors of the time. The essential quality that made bronze so attractive as a medium was that it formed a perfect base for gilding or, more rarely, silvering. Gilt-bronze was used in every aspect of interior furnishings and replaced ironwork. Bronzes d'ameublement comprised clocks, mirrors, fire-dogs, wall-lights, candelabra and chandeliers; ormolu mounts were applied to furniture, porcelain and hardstones. Gilt-bronze was also used for door furniture, to ornament chimney-pieces, staircases, boiseries and marble and was even used to adorn watches.
Boulle gave his name to a technique of marquetry employing tortoise-shell and brass with pewter in arabesque or intricately foliate designs. Boulle marquetry dropped out of favor in the 1720s, but was revived in the 1780s.
|
