Restoration of a low Louis XIV style bookcase, crafted in Boulle marquetry of brown tortoiseshell and brass, ebony, and ornamentation of chased and gilded bronze. Its centrally projecting front opens with three glazed doors featuring scroll and foliage motifs. It rests on tapered legs.
This type of low, three-part cabinet was, in fact, one of the great successes of Boulle, who himself proposed several variations. The Louvre Museum, for example, possesses no fewer than six examples. Indeed, these pieces of furniture are particularly well-suited to the display of objects or sculptures. Furthermore, they adorned the lower part of the wainscoting, beneath the paintings hung in the upper section.
This is probably why they were so popular with collectors. Jean-Louis Faizelot-Delorme copied them as early as the 18th century. They continued to be copied throughout the 19th century, notably by Dasson, renowned for the quality of his cabinetmaking and bronze work.
State of affairs report
This piece of furniture did not show any significant damage. However, some brass and tortoiseshell pieces were missing. Furthermore, the glues used throughout the marquetry were slightly dehydrated. But the most serious problems stemmed from cracks in the side and top panels. Indeed, without understanding their cause or addressing the underlying problem, these cracks were likely to reappear.
The Restoration
First, I rehydrated and regenerated the adhesives on the veneered surfaces. Then, I removed the inner reinforcements and strips from the side panels and the top. This eliminated the tension and allowed the panels to contract freely. Next, I restored the old varnish, performed some color correction, and applied a new coat of clear shellac with a pad. I also cleaned the bronze mounts with steam. Finally, Cédric Nivelle, an upholsterer, installed silk dupioni curtains.
