Here is a corner cabinet stamped by Jean-Mathieu Chevallier. It is made of solid oak, veneered with rosewood and violet wood with a boxwood net.
Jean-Mathieu Chevallier
Jean-Mathieu Chevallier was already established on Rue de Grenelle, under the sign of "La Croix Chevallier," when he received his master craftsman's certificate in 1743. He subsequently expanded his business considerably. He notably collaborated with André-Charles Boulle, one of the sons of the renowned cabinetmaker. Furthermore, he contributed to the furnishing of the Hôtel du Duc de Talmont and the Château de Villegénis, purchased in 1744 by Louise-Anne de Bourbon-Condé, known as Mademoiselle de Sens.
He quickly acquired a good reputation and began making furniture for Parisian high society. Many of his grand Louis XV pieces are known: commodes, secretaries, and wardrobes. They are elegantly designed, classically shaped, and well-proportioned. Furthermore, marquetry of flowers, often with stems tied with ribbon, or geometric patterns, carefully adorns all his work. In contrast, he used rocaille bronzes sparingly.
His workshop disappeared with him in 1768. However, his wife took over his furniture store and kept it for eight years, until her death.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
- French Furniture of the 18th Century – Pierre Kjellberg – Les Editions de l'Amateur – 2008
- Cabinetmakers of the 18th Century – Count François de Salverte – Art and History Publishers – 1934
The Restoration
On this corner piece, the work first involves reattaching and rehydrating the old glue, then replacing any damaged grafts. Next, the grafts will need to be stripped, cleaned, oxidized, and varnished with a French polish.
As with every restoration, I begin with the "soul": the structure of the piece of furniture. I re-glue the joints and tighten the panels if possible. Otherwise, I add material, for example, edge banding or filler strips.
Then, once the structure is reinforced and solidified, I begin the restoration of the veneer.
That's all for this week.
