Collage sous vide Archives • Ébénisterie Mathieu Vath

Boulle Napoleon III liquor cabinet

April 23, 2026October 27, 2026 Mathieu Vathliquor cabinet, Vacuum bonding, Boulle marquetry, Napoleon III, 19th century

Restoration of a Napoleon III liquor cabinet in tortoiseshell and brass marquetry. The liquor cabinet, an elegant and ingenious piece of furniture, appeared at the end of the 18th century. Initially designed for long carriage journeys, it allowed for the easy transport and serving of liqueurs. Its true rise in popularity, however, occurred in the 19th century. It then became a symbol of refinement and the French art of living. This piece of furniture takes the form of a box, called a "caisson," whose walls […]

Louis XIV low bookcase

January 26, 2026October 27, 2026 Mathieu Vathlibrary, Vacuum bonding, ebony, Louis XIV, Boulle marquetry, Napoleon III, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration, French polish, library display case, 19th century

Restoration of a low Louis XIV style bookcase, crafted in Boulle marquetry of brown tortoiseshell and brass, ebony, and chiseled and gilded bronze ornamentation. Its centrally projecting front opens with three glazed doors featuring scroll and foliage motifs. It rests on tapered legs. This type of three-part low cabinet was one of Boulle's greatest successes, and he himself produced several variations. The Louvre Museum, for example, possesses no fewer than six examples. Indeed, these […]

English Cabinet

May 23, 2025October 27, 2026 Mathieu VathCabinet, Vacuum bonding, Marquetry, walnut, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration, 17th century, 18th century

Restoration of an English cabinet from the late 17th or early 18th century, veneered in walnut and maple. It features the distinctive free-flowing arabesque marquetry known as seaweed marquetry because it evokes the seaweed found on the seabed. Seaweed marquetry is traditionally associated with Dutch and Flemish cabinetmakers of the second half of the 17th century, particularly Gerrit Jensen. Indeed, in 1689, William III of Orange ascended the English throne with his cabinetmakers. Later, religious persecutions on the continent brought others to England. […]

Transition Secretary

February 21, 2025October 27, 2026 Mathieu Vathamaranth, rosewood, Vacuum bonding, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration, secretary, 18th century

Restoration of a Transition-style secretary veneered in rosewood and amaranth, with simulated fluting in boxwood and ebony. The frame is made of oak and softwood. As is often the case with secretaries, one of the main areas of damage is at the hinges of the fall-front, which have cracked and damaged the frame and veneer. We first restored the solid wood that provides support and ensures the proper fit of the fall-front. We then filled in the missing amaranth veneer. We reinforced the backing, beneath the leather, […]

Louis XVI commode stamped J. LAPIE

November 7, 2024October 27, 2026 Mathieu Vathamaranth, rosewood, Bronzes, Vacuum bonding, convenient, Louis XVI, Veneering - Marquetry, sawn veneer, furniture restoration

Lise restored this Louis XVI commode, stamped by Jean Lapie, during her internship at the workshop. The piece is constructed of oak, fir, and beech, veneered with rosewood with hornbeam and amaranth stringing, and adorned with gilt bronze mounts. And since Lise submitted an excellent internship report, I'm publishing it almost in its entirety. Jean Lapie (known as "The Younger"), son of the potter Nicolas Lapie, was born around 1734. Brother of the cabinetmaker Nicolas-Alexandre Lapie (known as "The Elder") and cousin of Jean-François Lapie, […]

Regency style commode stamped Hédouin

September 19, 2024October 27, 2026 Mathieu Vathamaranth, Vacuum bonding, convenient, HEDOUIN, Veneering - Marquetry, Veneering - Marquetry, sawn veneer, regency, furniture restoration, satin

Here is the latest restoration by Raphaël, my apprentice. This commode has all the attributes of a Regency commode. Yet, Hédouin could only have made it well after this period (around 1715-1723). Indeed, he obtained his master craftsman's certificate in 1738, right in the middle of the Louis XV era. It is therefore more accurately described as a commode "in the Regency style," as cabinetmakers of the time called it. Moreover, its frame is entirely oak, except for the back panels, and its veneer combines amaranth and satinwood. Jean-Baptiste HEDOUIN The life of Jean-Baptiste Hédouin remains […]

Regency Cartel

May 18, 2024October 27, 2026 Mathieu Vathcartel, Vacuum bonding, conservation, Boulle marquetry, Veneering - Marquetry, regency, furniture restoration

Restoration of a Regency clock case in Boulle marquetry on a brown tortoiseshell background. Since Antiquity, humankind has sought to master time and create a "timekeeper." Egyptian obelisks, water clocks, sundials, hourglasses. But it was in the 15th century that the first mechanical weight-driven clocks were made, with a single hand, but generally equipped with striking mechanisms. In the 16th century, the two-hour day, instead of 24, was adopted almost everywhere. Each city, however, retained its own meridian time until the advent of railways and […]

Transition sauté pan with Boudin stamp

May 9, 2024October 27, 2026 Mathieu Vathamaranth, rosewood, Vacuum bonding, convenient, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration, Transitional style, 18th century

Restoration of a Transition period commode stamped by the master cabinetmaker Léonard Boudin (1735 in Paris – 20/12/1807). Constructed of solid oak, it is veneered with amaranth, rosewood, and tobacco-stained maple. Its marquetry of boxwood, hornbeam, and holly forms panels on the front and sides with motifs of flowering vases and covered pots. The front features a slight central projection and opens with two drawers without a central divider. Its rounded uprights rest on cabriole legs. Boudin also produced numerous Transition period commodes […]

Louis XV secretary stamped C.Chevallier

March 21, 2024October 27, 2026 Mathieu Vathrosewood, violet wood, KNIGHT, Vacuum bonding, conservation, stamp, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration, secretary

Restoration of a Louis XV period drop-front secretary, also known as a cabinet, stamped by Charles Chevalier, with curved sides and a front without an intermediate rail. Constructed of oak and softwood, it is veneered with marquetry of maple, boxwood, blue-stained maple, holly, hornbeam, and barberry on a rosewood ground framed by violet wood. The drop-front opens with its original three-point lock, revealing a compartment containing seven shelves in four rows and four drawers. The whole contains […]

Transitional chest of drawers stamped SAUNIER

January 31, 2024October 27, 2026 Mathieu Vathamaranth, rosewood, violet wood, Bronzes, Vacuum bonding, convenient, conservation, stamp, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration, Transitional style, French polish, 18th century

Restoration of a Transition-style two-door commode, inlaid with bottomless cube marquetry. Its frame combines oak for the uprights and rails, softwood for the side panels, and walnut for the two doors. The bottomless cubes themselves blend rosewood, violet wood, and tobacco-stained maple. Furthermore, a green-stained maple and boxwood inset borders the entire piece. In addition, the uprights and door frames are veneered with violet wood and rosewood. The […]

Louis XV commode stamped NA Lapie

January 16, 2024October 27, 2026 Mathieu Vathamaranth, Vacuum bonding, convenient, Louis XV, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration, satin, French polish, 18th century

Restoration of a Louis XV commode stamped Nicolas Alexandre Lapie, veneered in amaranth and satinwood. Its oak frame is of exceptionally high quality. However, the sides and drawer fronts are made of softwood. Finally, the top is a griotte marble from Campan. Nicolas Alexandre Lapie, son of Nicolas Lapie, a pottery merchant in the Faubourg Saint-Antoine, and brother of the master cabinetmaker Jean Lapie, Nicolas Alexandre (known as the Elder) appears to have been born around 1730. He registered his master's letters at the Châtelet in Paris on August 17, 1764. […]

Louis XV slant-front desk

December 20, 2023October 27, 2026 Mathieu Vathdonkey's back desk, Vacuum bonding, Louis XV, Rio Rosewood, Veneering - Marquetry, sawn veneer, furniture restoration, 18th century

Raphaël's first restoration project was this Louis XV period rosewood veneer slant-front secretary. It was a complete restoration involving numerous veneer grafts and a waxed, filled finish. A delicate job, as rosewood is unforgiving. The slightest misstep with the chisel, or excessive sanding, and its beautiful blond patina disappears, revealing the original dark color and causing unsightly stains. Therefore, there was no choice but to scrape and sand the newly sawn veneer and cut it to the correct thickness before gluing it […]

Regency chest of drawers with Spanish-style drawers

December 7, 2023October 27, 2026 Mathieu Vathviolet wood, Vacuum bonding, convenient, Veneering - Marquetry, regency, furniture restoration, French polish, 18th century

Restoration of a Regency period serpentine commode, known as a "spanielette" commode. Curved on all sides, it is veneered in violet wood over a walnut frame. It opens with four drawers in three rows. A Belgian griotte red marble top, with ears and a corbel edge, crowns it. Like the front rails, its pinched uprights feature brass fluting. Its high-quality bronze mounts are superbly chased. Indeed, it features very rare espagnolettes, seen on only six commodes. Four […]

Louis XVI secretary stamped TOPINO

November 16, 2023October 27, 2026 Mathieu Vathamaranth, rosewood, Bronzes, Vacuum bonding, stamp, Louis XVI, Marquetry, Veneering - Marquetry, sawn veneer, furniture restoration, secretary, 18th century

Restoration of a Louis XVI secretary desk stamped by Charles Topino. Its form is typical of Topino, and its frame is made of oak and softwood. The front opens with a drawer and a drop-front covered in red leather and tooled in gold. Behind the drop-front, two compartments and four drawers veneered in rosewood are revealed. Below, two marquetry doors depicting vases and draperies on a tobacco ground conceal a shelf. The drop-front itself features musical instruments, ribbons, and foliage, also on a tobacco ground. Around this, […]

Louis XV desk

September 29, 2023October 27, 2026 Mathieu Vathamaranth, rosewood, Desk, Vacuum bonding, Louis XV, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration

Restoration of a Louis XV desk veneered in rosewood and violet wood on an oak and softwood frame. Replacement of missing veneer, cleaning, and refinishing with a French polish. Cleaning and conservation of the leather. Removal and steam cleaning of the gilt bronze mounts. To see previous restorations: https://ebenisterie-mathieuvath.fr/en-ce-moment-a-latelier/

Transitional chest of drawers stamped J.STUMPFF

September 23, 2023October 27, 2026 Mathieu Vathamaranth, rosewood, Bronzes, Vacuum bonding, convenient, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration

Here are some images of the restoration of this commode stamped by Jean-Chrysostôme Stumpff (1731 – January 17, 1806 – received as a master craftsman on August 27, 1766). Its frame combines oak and softwood. Furthermore, it is veneered with rosewood in a butterfly wing pattern and amaranth, with stringing of boxwood and green-stained maple. J. Stumpff, originally from Schweigern, Swabia (Germany), married in 1760 in Paris, at the Swedish embassy, like most of his Protestant compatriots. In fact, his witness was his colleague […]

Louis XIV commode

August 31, 2023October 27, 2026 Mathieu VathBronzes, Vacuum bonding, convenient, conservation, graft, Louis XIV, walnut, Veneering - Marquetry, polite, furniture restoration, 18th century

Restoration of a Louis XIV period commode veneered in olive burl, ash, and walnut, likely from the Dauphiné region. This type of D-shaped commode, along with the Mazarine commode, is among the very first commodes popularized under Louis XIV. The first French furniture resembling the commode did not appear until around 1700. The oldest known and datable Parisian commodes are those delivered by André-Charles Boulle to Versailles around 1708. Their very simple decorations are inspired by Dutch designs. They are often the work of Protestant cabinetmakers, who were very fond of […]

RELIGIOUS CLOCK, Sarrabat Paris

August 24, 2023October 27, 2026 Mathieu VathBronzes, Vacuum bonding, conservation, Louis XIV, Boulle marquetry, pendulum, polite, furniture restoration

Restoration of a "religious" clock from the third quarter of the 17th century, which chimes on the hours and half-hours. The dial and movement are signed "Sarrabat à Paris." Religious clocks were among the first clocks produced during the reign of the Sun King. Indeed, their use developed from 1660 onwards, thanks to the regulator pendulum developed by Huygens. This particular clock features Boulle marquetry of red tortoiseshell, brass, and pewter, set on a walnut frame. It is further adorned with gilt bronze mounts and ebony moldings. Thus, […]

Louis XIV commode from the Dauphiné region

February 26, 2023October 27, 2026 Mathieu VathVacuum bonding, convenient, Louis XIV, Veneering - Marquetry

Restoration of a Louis XIV period commode in olive burl, rosewood, and boxwood, likely from the Dauphiné region. Along with Mazarine commodes, this type of D-shaped commode is among the very first commodes produced during the reign of Louis XIV. Indeed, the first French furniture resembling the commode only appeared around 1700. Thus, the oldest known Parisian commodes are those delivered by André-Charles Boulle to Versailles around 1708. Their very simple decorations are inspired by Dutch models. They are, moreover, often the work of Protestant cabinetmakers, who favored native woods according to the precepts of […]

Regency Cartel

February 9, 2023October 27, 2026 Mathieu VathBronzes, cartel, Vacuum bonding, Boulle marquetry, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration

Here are some images of the restoration of a Regency period cartel clock in brown tortoiseshell and brass marquetry on an oak frame. The movement is signed CLOUZIER A PARIS. Jacques Clouzier (1692-1754) was admitted as a master watchmaker by presentation of his masterpiece on July 5, 1692. He is among the greatest Parisian watchmakers of the Louis XIV and Regency periods. He became a member of the watchmakers' guild in the 1700s. He worked on Rue Saint-Antoine until 1726, then on Rue des Prêtres-Saint-Paul. Active until his death in 1754, he collaborated with the greatest cabinetmakers and bronze workers, such as […]

8-foot desk stamped Manet

December 24, 2022October 27, 2026 Mathieu Vathamaranth, Bronzes, Desk, Vacuum bonding, Copy of an old, Marquetry, Boulle marquetry, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration, 17th century, 18th century

Restoration of an eight-legged desk, commonly known as a "Mazarin" desk, from the Louis XIV period, late/early 17th century. Its frame is made of solid pear and softwood, with pear wood sides and drawer bottoms. It features two side cabinets, each with three drawers, and a central drawer above a middle cabinet with rounded edges. Two X-shaped stretchers connect the uprights and the eight console-like legs. The drawers are inlaid with pewter and blackened pear wood, depicting a late 17th-century design. The sides, as well as […]

Louis XIV commode

December 15, 2022October 27, 2026 Mathieu VathVacuum bonding, conservation, Rio Rosewood, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration, 18th century

Restoration of a Louis XIV commode constructed of fir and Rio rosewood veneer. The front is slightly convex, as are the uprights and rails. It features brass fluting. The remarkably crafted varnished bronze mounts have retained their original varnish. The restoration consisted of rehydrating all veneered surfaces by infiltrating glue. Missing areas were filled with rosewood veneers that were sawn, scraped, sanded, cut to the correct thickness as a backing, and UV-oxidized before being glued with hot glue. As you can see on […]

Louis XV Cartel

November 17, 2022October 27, 2026 Mathieu VathVacuum bonding, Louis XV, Boulle marquetry, furniture restoration, 18th century

Restoration of a Louis XV period clock case and its corbel, in pure Rococo style. It is made of solid oak and veneered with brass and tortoiseshell. Do you know what Rococo style is? Rococo style belongs to the early period of the Louis XV style (1723-1750) and reached its peak around 1730. It is distinguished by its rich naturalistic decoration. It draws inspiration from artificial grottoes and reconstructed rocks in asymmetrical compositions. A late heir to the Baroque, this decoration is complemented by seashells, mineral elements, cascading foliage, […]

Louis XV/Transitional Commode

October 19, 2022October 27, 2026 Mathieu Vathrosewood, violet wood, Bronzes, Vacuum bonding, convenient, Louis XV, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration

A true renaissance for this chest of drawers, which I call Louis XV/Transitional because its form and construction are entirely Louis XV. However, the handles and keyhole escutcheons are typically Louis XVI. And I can attest that these are indeed its original fittings. The nail holes match perfectly, and there are no other holes beneath the bronze mounts. So, even if this piece of furniture doesn't conform to what is commonly called the Transitional style, this chest of drawers is most certainly one of the first […]

Regency Cartel

July 22, 2022October 27, 2026 Mathieu Vathcartel, Vacuum bonding, Boulle marquetry, regency, furniture restoration

Restoration of a large cartel clock (137 cm high) and its bracketed base, from the Regency period. Made of solid oak, it is veneered with Boulle marquetry of brown tortoiseshell and brass. It is further adorned with floral garlands, crosshatching, and foliage. Its chased and gilded bronze dial features interlacing patterns and birds. The Roman numerals are enameled, and a reserve bears the signature St Martin à Paris. The clock plate also bears the same name. Finally, on the capital, chased and gilded bronzes depict […]

Louis XVI commode stamped JB.Tuart

April 8, 2022October 27, 2026 Mathieu Vathamaranth, rosewood, Bronzes, Vacuum bonding, convenient, conservation, stamp, Louis XVI, Marquetry, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration, 18th century

Here is a very pretty Louis XVI period commode, veneered in rosewood and amaranth, with marquetry of boxwood, pearwood, maple, hornbeam, walnut, blackened pearwood, lemonwood… It is built of oak and softwood. It is stamped twice with the mark of Jean-Baptiste II TUART. But its maker is probably Jean LAPIE. Jean-Baptiste II Tuart came from a dynasty of Parisian cabinetmakers and merchants. His father, Jean-Baptiste I, obtained his master craftsman's certificate in 1741 and remained active until around 1760. Born around 1720, Jean-Baptiste II was not a master cabinetmaker, but a master woodworker […]

Regency chest of drawers

February 24, 2022October 27, 2026 Mathieu Vathrosewood, Vacuum bonding, convenient, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration

Restoration of a Regency commode veneered in rosewood and palisander. It arrived in very poor condition: the joints were completely detached, there were numerous missing veneers, and significant structural deformations on the sides. Its patina was also heavily soiled by multiple layers of dark wax. The bronze mounts and locks had been added in the 19th century during a restoration—a typical restoration for this type of furniture. We re-glued the sides and joints as best we could, replaced the missing veneer, and reattached the brass fluting. Above all, […]

Empire side table

January 25, 2022October 27, 2026 Mathieu Vathmahogany, Vacuum bonding, Empire, Veneering - Marquetry

Restoration of an Empire period pedestal table, veneered in mahogany burl. It arrived at the workshop in rather poor condition. The bronze mounts were heavily soiled. There were also many structural separations and missing veneers. The restoration therefore consisted of re-gluing the structure and veneers under vacuum, with the injection of a penetrating adhesive for the upper apron and the central column. I removed the few old grafts that had been applied against the grain and replaced them with a better-matching veneer. I then reapplied the old varnish using a French polish and […]

Louis XV/Transition Commode by Nicolas Abraham Couleru

August 25, 2021October 27, 2026 Mathieu Vathamaranth, rosewood, Vacuum bonding, convenient, Louis XVI, Rio Rosewood, Veneering - Marquetry, sawn veneer, polite, furniture restoration

This slightly curved commode opens with three drawers. It is veneered with bottomless cubes of walnut, plum, and cherry wood. Its top is inlaid with a bouquet of flowers on an amaranth ground. Plum, or damson, is easily recognizable by its sapwood demarcations: these create a lighter pattern and give the decoration an irregular appearance. The frame is made of fir and walnut. It is difficult to assign this commode to a specific style. It is Louis XV, but the simplicity of its stringing and the marquetry framing clearly suggests […]

Louis XVI Molitor Console

July 3, 2021October 27, 2026 Mathieu Vathmahogany, Bronzes, Vacuum bonding, console, stamp, Louis XVI, Veneering - Marquetry

Restoration of a Louis XVI console table (1790-1795) stamped by Bernard Molitor. The frame is oak, and the legs are solid mahogany. The panels of the lower shelf are beech. It is veneered with mahogany burl and ebony and brass stringing. Originally from Luxembourg, Bernard Molitor (1755 – November 17, 1833) obtained his master craftsman's certificate in Paris on October 26, 1787. Arriving in Paris in 1776, he initially worked in a small workshop in the Arsenal district. After completing his master's degree, he established himself on the rue de Bourbon-Saint-Germain. The austerity of his work, […]

Louis XV slant-front secretary

June 15, 2021October 27, 2026 Mathieu Vathdonkey's back desk, Vacuum bonding, Brass, Boulle marquetry, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration, 18th century

This week, a curious and very pretty Louis XV period secretary/desk with a slanted front in Boulle marquetry and rosewood. Yes, the reuse of Boulle marquetry wasn't only fashionable under Napoleon III! In fact, Boulle marquetry never ceased to have admirers in the 18th century. The renewed interest was particularly noticeable from the 1750s onwards. Prominent furniture merchants, such as Lazare Duvaux, resold them at exorbitant prices to prestigious clients. Madame de Pompadour herself bought a commode as a gift for her […]

Transition cylinder desk

May 22, 2021October 27, 2026 Mathieu Vathamaranth, rosewood, cylinder desk, Vacuum bonding, conservation, Marquetry, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration, satin, secretary, Transition, 18th century

A few years ago, I had the pleasure of restoring this magnificent Transition period (1780) roll-top desk. Its frame is made of oak and fir. Most notably, it is veneered with rosewood, arranged in a butterfly pattern on the fall front. Around this, a delicate border of boxwood and green-stained hornbeam stringing is edged with a narrow band of amaranth. The back is veneered in satinwood. Finally, the central marquetry, on a tobacco-stained sycamore background, depicts musical instruments. Two doves are flying above, a musical score within […]

Napoleon III Boulle marquetry side table

May 7, 2021October 27, 2026 Mathieu VathBronzes, Vacuum bonding, Boulle marquetry, Napoleon III, blackened pear tree, furniture restoration, French polish, 19th century

A console table veneered in ebonized pearwood, with Boulle marquetry of brass on tortoiseshell depicting arabesques. It opens with a door adorned with an oval medallion. This reveals shelves in mahogany and mahogany veneer. Finally, it is richly ornamented with chased and gilded bronze: egg-and-dart friezes, caryatids in corner drops, interlaced friezes, acanthus leaf friezes, fruit, and florets. This Boulle cabinet required extensive restoration! Indeed, some pieces of brass, fillets, and especially a great deal of tortoiseshell were missing.

Transitional chest of drawers stamped LARDIN

April 20, 2021October 27, 2026 Mathieu Vathamaranth, rosewood, Vacuum bonding, convenient, conservation, graft, LARDIN, Veneering - Marquetry, sawn veneer, furniture restoration, satin, Transition

Restoration of a Transition period commode, constructed of fir and oak and veneered with rosewood. It is framed by hornbeam stringing, white and green-stained, with a satinwood band edged in amaranth. The central medallion is made of satinwood veneer assembled in a herringbone pattern. The maker's mark and the JME (Journée des Métiers d'Art) are located at the base of the left rear leg. André-Antoine Lardin (1724 – August 10, 1790) obtained his master craftsman's certificate on July 1, 1750. He established himself on the rue de Charenton, at the sign "Au Bois de Boulogne," and worked there until 1770. He then moved […]

Empire Dressing Table

April 11, 2021October 27, 2026 Mathieu Vathmahogany, Bronzes, hairdresser, Vacuum bonding, conservation, Leather, Empire, Jacob, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration, 19th century

A beautiful restoration and, above all, conservation effort has been undertaken on this lovely Empire-period dressing table. Its frame is made of oak and poplar, veneered with mahogany burl. The drawer sides and bottoms are solid mahogany. It rests on four column legs ending in casters and joined by an H-shaped stretcher. The frieze opens with a central drawer, revealing a writing surface lined with blue morocco leather, a pen case, and two compartments for inkwells. Two large drawers on either side hold toiletries. […]

Small Boulle marquetry cartel clock

August 24, 2020October 27, 2026 Mathieu Vathcartel, Vacuum bonding, Brass, Boulle marquetry, Napoleon III, Uncategorized, French polish, 19th century

Restoration of a Napoleon III period marquetry clock in brown tortoiseshell on a black ground and brass. Despite dust, oxidation, and years spent in the depths of an attic, this small clock is in very good condition. Except for a missing piece of brass on the right side of the capital, it is complete. The gilding is still clearly visible beneath the layer of grime, and the structure is in perfect condition. The restoration was therefore straightforward: re-gluing all the marquetry under vacuum, then a light cleaning, and a varnishing with […]

Hedouin commode with crowned C

August 5, 2020October 27, 2026 Mathieu Vathviolet wood, Bronzes, oak, Vacuum bonding, convenient, conservation, stamp, HEDOUIN, Louis XV, Veneering - Marquetry, sawn veneer, restoration, furniture restoration, French polish, 18th century

Extensive restoration of this superb Louis XV period commode, stamped on all four uprights by Jean-Baptiste Hedouin. The frame and drawers are made of solid oak, fir, and walnut. It is veneered with satinwood for the frieze edges and features geometric marquetry in violet wood. Two types of violet wood are used: one with a very tight grain and veining for the lozenges, the other more intricate for the borders, uprights, and rails. The gray Ardennes marble is molded and shaped into the forms […]

Transitional dresser

June 24, 2020October 27, 2026 Mathieu VathVacuum bonding, convenient, conservation, Veneering - Marquetry, sawn veneer, polite, restoration, furniture restoration, Transitional style

Here is a very simple commode from eastern France, probably dating from the late 18th century. Its front is slightly curved and its uprights are chamfered. The bronze mounts are probably not original. The frame is made of solid softwood, the uprights of oak. The drawer bottoms are set in a rebate and slide on the drawer fronts, which is typical of provincial work. A small unusual feature: the commode has no top panel; the marble slab rests directly on the frame. At the level of […]

Louis XVI commode stamped JA BRUNS

March 16, 2020October 27, 2026 Mathieu Vathamaranth, rosewood, Bronzes, oak, Vacuum bonding, convenient, graft, Marquetry, Veneering - Marquetry, sawn veneer, furniture restoration, Louis XVI style, French polish

This week marks the completion of the restoration of a Louis XVI commode stamped JA BRUNS. Its frame is oak, except for the side panels, backs, drawer fronts, and two drawer bottoms, which are made of softwood. It is veneered with rosewood in a butterfly pattern and amaranth for the edges. The false fluting is in boxwood and ebony. A green-stained maple fillet outlines the Greek key corners. A few satinwood additions from previous restorations are visible. The marble top is Sainte-Anne gray. This commode […]

Label signed "Louis David Carré in Paris"«

February 22, 2020October 27, 2026 Mathieu VathBronzes, cartel, oak, Vacuum bonding, graft, Brass, Boulle marquetry, furniture restoration, French polish

After several weeks of work, the restoration of this clock is finally complete. It is a Louis XV period clock in brown tortoiseshell and brass marquetry, with rosewood restorations. The dial is by Louis David Carré, nephew of Julien Le Roy, who became a master craftsman on December 31, 1748. Lodged at the Louvre from 1744, he was elected a juror in 1775. The greatest treasure of this clock lies in its bronze mounts. They are truly magnificent, and above all, they are in very good condition. There is only […]

Secretary stamped P.ROUSSEL JME

February 8, 2020October 27, 2026 Mathieu Vathamaranth, rosewood, Vacuum bonding, stamp, Louis XV, Marquetry, Veneering - Marquetry, restoration, furniture restoration, secretary, French polish

Here are some images of the restoration of a secretary desk stamped by Pierre Roussel (1723-1782). Having become a master cabinetmaker in 1745, Pierre Roussel set up shop on Rue de Charenton, in the Faubourg Saint-Antoine, under the sign "L'Image de Saint Pierre" (The Image of Saint Peter). Thanks to his skills as a cabinetmaker and especially as an exceptional marquetry artist, he quickly gained a great reputation. In 1762, he became a sworn member of his guild. By 1767, he was considered one of the best cabinetmakers of his time. Highly regarded by his colleagues, he became a representative of the cabinetmakers' guild in 1777 and then syndic two […]

Secretary Napoleon III

December 21, 2019October 27, 2026 Mathieu VathBronzes, Vacuum bonding, Brass, Boulle marquetry, Napoleon III, restoration, furniture restoration, secretary

On the restoration side, there wasn't much to do: the brass fittings were reattached with fish glue and by infiltration, then stripped and varnished. The most difficult part of this type of furniture is the black stain. Over time, pear wood darkens, loses its color, and turns gray. It then needs to be stained, without, of course, obscuring the brass. To do this, I fill and polish the piece until the brass becomes a true mirror. Then, I apply a hot logwood stain, and then […]

Corner cabinet in Boulle marquetry from the Napoleon III period

November 20, 2019October 27, 2026 Mathieu VathBronzes, Vacuum bonding, corner, graft, Brass, Boulle marquetry, Napoleon III, Uncategorized, furniture restoration, French polish

A classic restoration of Boulle marquetry: rehydration of the old glue by infiltration, creation and gluing of the missing brass fittings, and reconstruction of the base, which was in poor condition but not beyond repair. Finally, the bronzes were cleaned and a clear French polish was applied. Proof that appearances can be deceiving: even a badly damaged piece of furniture can regain its former beauty.

Louis XIII Cabinet

September 4, 2019October 27, 2026 Mathieu Vathviolet wood, Solid Wood, Cabinet, Vacuum bonding, Louis XIII, Veneering - Marquetry, restoration, furniture restoration

A look back at a fascinating restoration project (at least for me). So fascinating, in fact, that I forgot to take photos at the beginning! This cabinet dates from the 17th century. Its upper section has two drawers in the cornice and two doors. The base features two drawers in the frieze, supported by eight turned feet, and a top on ball feet. Inside, there are twelve drawers and two doors, which conceal a theater and eleven more drawers. The feet and moldings are made of solid pear wood. The rest of the […]

Louis XV corner cabinet, stamped JM CHEVALLIER

July 3, 2019October 27, 2026 Mathieu Vathrosewood, violet wood, oak, KNIGHT, Vacuum bonding, stamp, flipot, graft, Louis XV, Marquetry, Veneering - Marquetry, press, restoration, furniture restoration

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 inlay. 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 was notably in business with André-Charles Boulle, one of the sons of the famous cabinetmaker. Furthermore, he participated in furnishing the Hôtel du Duc de Talmont and the Château de […]

Napoleon III planter and Louis XVI chest of drawers

June 13, 2019October 27, 2026 Mathieu Vathrosewood, violet wood, chiffonier, Vacuum bonding, planter, Marquetry, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration, French polish

This week, two pieces of furniture left the workshop: a Napoleon III jardinière in rosewood veneer and a Louis XVI chiffonier in rosewood and violet wood veneer. If this piece had seven drawers, it would have been called a "semainier" (weekly chest of drawers). Here are some photos of their restoration.

Louis XV commode stamped JC Ellaume

June 10, 2019October 27, 2026 Mathieu Vathrosewood, Vacuum bonding, convenient, Louis XV, Marquetry, Veneering - Marquetry

Restoration of a Louis XV period commode stamped JC Ellaume. This commode is veneered in rosewood and palisander with floral marquetry on the drawer fronts. The frame is made of oak and softwood. Jean-Charles Ellaume, whose name is also spelled Allaume, became a master craftsman in Paris on November 6, 1754. Many pieces of furniture bearing his stamp are known, mostly Louis XV commodes. For over thirty years, in his workshop on Rue Traversière, he produced numerous high-quality pieces. These are primarily […]

Alexandre Morell's Boulle Cartel – Marquetry

May 15, 2019October 27, 2026 Mathieu VathVacuum bonding, Marquetry, Boulle marquetry, furniture restoration

I reattached the structure, removed the brass, cleaned up the remaining animal glue, and eliminated the traces of superglue and neoprene adhesive. Next came cutting the new pieces of brass and tortoiseshell to fill the gaps. So, as usual, I took an impression of the missing piece. I then glued this paper onto a brass plate, which was itself glued with fish glue to a 4mm plywood base. This made the plate easier to cut. Retrieving the brass piece is simple: […]