Ebénisterie Mathieu Vath Archives • Page 2 of 3 • Ébénisterie Mathieu Vath

Wardrobe of Bretteville the Proud

March 9, 2023April 26, 2023 Mathieu VathCupboard, Solid Wood

It was in the mid-17th century that what we now call the Norman armoire originated. However, it was from the 18th century onward that it acquired the characteristic form we know today: with its two doors, resting on cabriole legs and featuring a wide, sculpted cornice, it combines Louis XV structure and style with Louis XVI motifs. It was during this same period of economic and social stability, allowing for a certain improvement in living standards, that it entered the homes of both the bourgeoisie and the peasantry. The 19th century would be […]

Louis XIV commode from the Dauphiné region

February 26, 2023February 26, 2023 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. This type of commode (D-shaped), along with the Mazarine commode, was among the very first commodes popularized under Louis XIV. Indeed, the earliest French furniture resembling the commode only appeared in the 1700s; thus, 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, often crafted by Protestant cabinetmakers […]

Regency commode stamped by Michel Mallerot

February 16, 2023February 16, 2023 Mathieu Vathviolet wood, convenient, Veneering - Marquetry, regency, furniture restoration

Restoration of a commode stamped by Michel Mallerot. With its serpentine front, it is entirely veneered in violet wood. It is built of fir with beech drawer bottoms and walnut drawer fronts. You don't know Michel Mallerot? That's understandable, as Michel Mallerot (1675–1753) is a Parisian cabinetmaker who remains relatively unknown, much like many cabinetmakers of the early 18th century. We owe his identification to the discovery of a handwritten pencil inscription "M. Mallerot" on a commode dating from the Regency period (formerly […]

Regency Cartel

February 9, 2023February 9, 2023 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 received as a master clockmaker by awarding a masterpiece on July 5, 1692. He was one of the greatest Parisian clockmakers of the Louis XIV and Regency periods. He became a member of the clockmakers' guild in the 1700s, then worked on Rue Saint-Antoine until 1726 and later on Rue des Prêtres Saint-Paul. He remained active until his death […]

Hairdresser from Grenoble

January 26, 2023February 9, 2023 Mathieu VathSolid Wood, hairdresser, walnut

Restoration of an 18th-century dressing table from the Grenoble region, crafted from solid walnut with elm, blackened, and green-stained veneers. Before restoration. After restoration. To see previous restorations: https://ebenisterie-mathieuvath.fr/en-ce-moment-a-latelier/

Regency chest of drawers

January 19, 2023January 19, 2023 Mathieu Vathviolet wood, Bronzes, convenient, Veneering - Marquetry, regency

To start the year, here are some photos of the restoration of this Regency commode. It is built entirely of conifer and veneered with kingwood. The uprights and rails are inlaid with brass fluting. The bronze handles, influenced by Asia and the East India Company trade, are known as "Chinese" or "Chinese." The keyhole escutcheons, meanwhile, herald the arrival of the Louis XV style in the first half of the 18th century. Regarding its condition upon arrival, besides […]

8-foot desk stamped Manet

December 24, 2022December 25, 2022 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. Constructed of pear and solid softwood, the sides and drawer bottoms are also pearwood. It features two side cabinets, each opening with three drawers, a central drawer above a middle cabinet with rounded edges, and console-shaped uprights and eight legs joined by two X-shaped stretchers. The drawers are inlaid with pewter and blackened pearwood, depicting a late 17th-century design. […]

Louis XIV commode

December 15, 2022December 15, 2022 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 […]

Small chest of drawers from La Rochelle

December 8, 2022December 9, 2022 Mathieu VathSolid Wood, convenient, furniture restoration, satin, 18th century

Here is the restoration of a small Louis XV commode in solid satinwood and ribboned satinwood. It is curved on all sides, including the back, and opens with three drawers in the front, as well as a pull-out candle holder at the back. La Rochelle, 18th century. Its top, molded with a corbel edge highlighted by a cavetto molding, is made of ribboned satinwood, which is also found on the front and sides, while the base is made of fine satinwood punctuated with so-called "snail" feet ending in split goatskin feet. Note the unusual proportions but especially the curves […]

Louis XVI writing table

November 30, 2022November 30, 2022 Mathieu Vathmahogany, Desk, Louis XVI, Veneering - Marquetry, 18th century

Restoration of a writing table built in oak, with a solid mahogany top and mahogany burl veneer. It features a large drawer in the frieze and rests on four tapered legs ending in gilt bronze sabots. Typical work of the late 18th century. To see previous restorations: https://ebenisterie-mathieuvath.fr/en-ce-moment-a-latelier/ This piece can be found at Antiquités Stéphane Guin.

Roussel Stamped Chest of Drawers

November 25, 2022November 25, 2022 Mathieu Vathrosewood, violet wood, Louis XV, Veneering - Marquetry, 18th century

Restoration of a Louis XV commode stamped by the Parisian cabinetmaker Pierre Roussel. This commode is constructed of oak and softwood panels. It is veneered with rosewood arranged in a herringbone pattern, framed by violet wood. The stringing is boxwood. The Roussel family: Son of Michel Roussel, a journeyman cabinetmaker originally from the Cotentin region, he was the only one to choose cabinetmaking rather than joinery, unlike his younger brothers Jacques, Michel, and Louis. Pierre Roussel obtained his master craftsman's certificate on August 21, 1745, and established himself in the Faubourg Saint-Antoine, on rue […]

Louis XV Cartel

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

Restoration of a Louis XV period clock and its lamp base in pure Rococo style. It is constructed 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 characterized by rich naturalistic decoration. It drew inspiration from artificial grottoes and elements of rock recreated in asymmetrical compositions. This decoration, which marks the beginning of the Baroque, is complemented by seashells, elements […]

Money changer's office

November 11, 2022November 11, 2022 Mathieu VathDesk, Veneering - Marquetry, 17th century

A few weeks ago, I presented you with a money changer's table. Well, here is its successor, the money changer's desk. Inspired by the eight-legged desks more commonly known as "Mazarin desks," the money changer's desk is a smaller version. Designed to be frequently transported, it must ensure the security of the valuables it contains and showcase the prosperity of its owner through its marquetry and veneer decorations, which vary in richness. For those interested in the origins of these pieces of furniture and the money changer's trade…

Louis XVI secretary stamped Montigny

November 3, 2022July 1, 2026 Mathieu Vathamaranth, rosewood, Louis XVI, Veneering - Marquetry, 18th century

A little restoration for this Louis XV period secretary desk stamped by Philippe-Claude Montigny. It is constructed of oak and softwood, and veneered with rosewood, amaranth, and boxwood. It consists of a top drawer, a drop-front, and two doors. The interior compartments contain six drawers. Philippe Claude Montigny (1734-1800) became a master craftsman on January 29, 1766. Son of Louis Montigny, a privileged craftsman of the King, he owned a workshop in the Contrescarpe district of Paris. He was also the brother-in-law of Fidelis Schey, a cabinetmaker […]

Louis XV/Transitional Commode

October 19, 2022 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 […]

Somno Empire

October 12, 2022October 13, 2022 Mathieu Vathmahogany, Empire, Veneering - Marquetry

Restoration of an Empire-period somno in mahogany burl veneer. You might be wondering what a somno is? Created during the Consulate, in the early years of Napoleon I's reign, the somno, or somneau, is a small piece of furniture in the shape of a cylindrical or square table, with a closed section providing storage space. It is placed in the bedroom, often next to the bed to serve as a nightstand. It was during the Empire period that this table acquired the name "somno," from the Latin somnus […]

Louis XVI cooler

October 7, 2022October 7, 2022 Mathieu Vathmahogany, Louis XVI, Veneering - Marquetry

Restoration of a cooling table in solid mahogany for the legs and mahogany burl veneer with brass quarter-round moldings. The cooling table: It was in the 18th century, a century of thought, philosophy, and intimacy, that a fashion emerged among the wealthier classes of society: intimate dinners or suppers, without the intervention of household staff. Whether for romantic trysts or to plan the impending French Revolution, prying ears were not to be allowed. This trend influenced […]

Empire Chest of Drawers

September 21, 2022September 21, 2022 Mathieu Vathmahogany, Empire, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration

Restoration of a mahogany burl veneer commode with three drawers. The uprights are straight and Corinthian pilasters, the front feet are claw feet, and the rear feet have three decreasing balls, known as a beaded arrangement. It is topped with a Belgian black granite slab and has retained all its original gilt bronze mounts, as well as its trefoil locks and key. Regarding the gilt bronze mounts, the Corinthian capitals are decorated with projecting bird heads, palmettes, acanthus leaves, flowers, and scrolls with a beautiful alternation of […]

Louis XVI commode

September 15, 2022September 15, 2022 Mathieu Vathconvenient, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration

Restoration of a Louis XVI period provincial commode. Constructed of softwood and oak, and veneered with violet wood, rosewood, sycamore maple, boxwood, ebony, and stained maple. At its center is a bucolic scene depicting, between two trees, a card game between two women and a man watching. In the background, a house and a church are visible. The whole is framed by a medallion of flowers engraved and colored with black and red wax. The two lower drawers are framed by a frieze […]

Money changer table

September 8, 2022September 8, 2022 Mathieu Vathwalnut, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration, money changer table, 17th century

Restoration of a 17th-century money changer's table in solid walnut and walnut and sycamore maple veneer. This table originates from Germany, as indicated by the marquetry inscription on its top: "Trink und iss Gott nit wergiss," which translates as "Drink and eat, but do not forget God." It consists of two drawers, a top, and a sliding extension leaf; the legs are joined by an X-shaped stretcher. What is a money changer's table? The profession of money changer emerged in the 13th century, following the expansion of trade. […]

Coffee table stamped P.GARNIER JME

September 1, 2022September 1, 2022 Mathieu VathVeneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration, satin, Transitional style, Transition, French polish

Restoration of a Transitional Period (1750-1774) satinwood veneer salon table stamped by Pierre Garnier (circa 1726-1800). Originally from Paris, and the son of master cabinetmaker François Garnier, Pierre Garnier obtained his master's certificate on December 31, 1742. In contrast to his father, François left the Faubourg Saint-Antoine for the rue Neuve-des-Petits-Champs, near the Place Vendôme. His clientele consisted of merchants such as Léonard Boudin and Pierre Migeon, but above all of the kingdom's wealthiest figures, such as Louis Georges Erasme, Marshal of France, the Duchess of Mazarin, and the Marquis de Marigny, […]

P. ROUSSEL Games Table

August 23, 2022August 23, 2022 Mathieu Vathamaranth, rosewood, violet wood, Bronzes, Louis XV, Rio Rosewood, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration, games table

Restoration of a Louis XV period marquetry game table (or backgammon table) with dice (or cubes) veneered in amaranth, rosewood, violet wood, palisander, ebony, and ivory. This table is stamped by the Parisian cabinetmaker Pierre Roussel (September 28, 1723 – June 7, 1782). The Roussel family, sons of Michel Roussel, a journeyman cabinetmaker originally from the Cotentin peninsula, were the only ones to choose cabinetmaking rather than joinery, unlike his younger brothers Jacques, Michel, and Louis. Pierre Roussel obtained his master craftsman's certificate on August 21, 1745, and established himself in the Faubourg Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

Regency Cartel

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

Restoration of a large cartel clock (137cm high) and its console-style bracket from the Regency period. It is made of solid oak veneered with Boulle marquetry of brown tortoiseshell and brass. It is decorated with floral garlands, crosshatching, and foliage. The dial is made of chased and gilded bronze with an interlacing design and birds; the Roman numerals are enameled, and the signature St Martin à Paris is inset. The plate is signed with the same name. It is adorned with chased and gilded bronze mounts depicting on its capital […]

Louis XVI gueridon stamped JH RIESENER JME

July 18, 2022March 28, 2024 Mathieu Vathmahogany, stamp, Veneering - Marquetry, Louis XVI style, 18th century

A minor restoration is needed for this "shelf-style" pedestal table, also known as a "dumb servant." It is made of solid mahogany, mahogany veneer, and Aleppo breccia marble. It bears the stamp of the lesser-known cabinetmaker to the Crown Furniture Collection, Jean-Henri Riesener. Does Jean-Henri Riesener (July 4, 1734 – January 6, 1806) really need an introduction? He is the undisputed master of the Louis XVI style, renowned for the breadth and diversity of his work, but above all for the exceptional quality of his furniture and the sumptuousness of the pieces commissioned by the court of […]

17th Century Box

July 13, 2022July 13, 2022 Mathieu Vathviolet wood, box, walnut, Veneering - Marquetry, polite, furniture restoration, 17th century

Restoration of a small Louis XIV period walnut and violet wood veneer box. Repair of missing veneer, re-gluing of joints, and reconstruction of the drawer and missing interior elements. Polished wax finish. To see previous restorations: https://ebenisterie-mathieuvath.fr/en-ce-moment-a-latelier/

Louis XV cartel clock with crowned c

June 30, 2022June 30, 2022 Mathieu Vathcartel, Louis XV, Boulle marquetry, furniture restoration

Here are some images of the restoration of a clock case that some of you may have seen during the work at the Mans'Art fair this year. This Louis XV period clock case is inlaid with tortoiseshell and brass, and the frame is oak. The bronze mounts bear the hallmark of the Crowned C. The Crowned C was established by an edict of 1745, which required bronze workers to mark their pieces with a small distinctive letter, a C surmounted by a crown, thus subjecting them to a tax. This tax applied to […]

Louis XVI games table

June 8, 2022June 8, 2022 Mathieu Vathmahogany, Bronzes, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration, Louis XVI style, 18th century

Restoration of a late 18th-century games table (circa 1785) veneered in mahogany burl and inlaid with brass stringing, ebony, and Ferréol (a South American wood named after a 17th-century governor of Guyana). The legs are solid mahogany, and the interior is veneered with ebony and bone dyed green and natural. The tabletop is partially covered in leather and partially veneered in mahogany burl. The interior features two niches, each with a drawer […]

LARDIN transitional chest of drawers

June 1, 2022June 1, 2022 Mathieu Vathrosewood, violet wood, convenient, LARDIN, Veneering - Marquetry, sawn veneer, furniture restoration, Transitional style, 18th century

Restoration of a Transitional period commode constructed of fir and oak and veneered with rosewood, violet wood, and a frieze of hornbeam stringing stained green in the Greek key pattern. The sides are veneered with satinwood and violet wood. André-Antoine Lardin (1724 – August 10, 1790) obtained his master craftsman's certificate on July 1, 1750, and established himself on rue de Charenton under the sign "Au Bois de Boulogne." He worked there until 1770, when he moved to rue Saint Nicolas. His production is […]

Mazarine Chest of Drawers

May 4, 2022June 1, 2022 Mathieu Vathconvenient, conservation, Boulle marquetry, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration, 17th century, 18th century

Restoration of a Louis XIV period commode, known as a Mazarine commode, veneered in brass and ebony on a softwood frame. This commode features bow-shaped drawers, including two full-length drawers surmounted by two half-drawers separated by an intermediate stile. The fronts are made of softwood, while the sides and backs are walnut. The brass decoration supporting the pendant drawer pulls features a finely inlaid motif of scrolls, foliage, foliage, and arabesques, framed by a geometric brass cartouche and simulating keyhole escutcheons. It […]

Chinese chest of drawers

April 24, 2022June 1, 2022 Mathieu Vathconvenient, Rio Rosewood, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration, 18th century

This week I'm presenting a Louis XIV commode from the first half of the 18th century, veneered in Rio rosewood and adorned with chinoiserie bronze mounts. Height: 85.7 cm, Width: 125 cm, Depth: 60.5 cm. The frame is made of softwood, constructed from planks joined edge-to-edge. The sides, top, and bottom are dovetailed. The back is constructed from several planks nailed into the rebates of the sides. The drawer bottoms and sides are made of planks of […]

Louis XVI commode stamped JB.Tuart

April 8, 2022April 8, 2022 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. From a dynasty of Parisian cabinetmakers and merchants, whose father, Jean-Baptiste I, obtained his master's certificate in 1741 and was active until around 1760, Jean-Baptiste II, born around 1720, was not a master cabinetmaker but a master furniture maker and haberdasher […]

Louis XVI planter

April 2, 2022April 7, 2022 Mathieu Vathmahogany, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration, Louis XVI style

A little restoration for this Louis XVI jardinière in mottled mahogany veneer and solid mahogany for the feet. Simply regluing the joints, which had become slightly loose, restoring the varnish yellowed with age using a French polish, and re-gilding the bronze mounts were enough to give it a new lease on life. To see previous restorations: https://ebenisterie-mathieuvath.fr/en-ce-moment-a-latelier/

Secretary LXVI stamped Martin Carlin

March 22, 2022March 22, 2022 Mathieu Vathmahogany, amaranth, Bronzes, stamp, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration, secretary, French polish, 18th century

Restoration of a Louis XVI period lady's writing desk stamped by Martin Carlin JME. The frame is solid oak, with the fall front and lower door made of softwood. The exterior is entirely veneered with Honduran mahogany, except for the upper edge, which is embellished with a thin strip of amaranth. The interiors are veneered with rosewood, amaranth, and stringing of boxwood and ebony. Of particular interest: the upper interior compartment has never been restored and retains its original finish, a magnificent polish that has preserved the […]

Marquises stamped C.SENE

March 4, 2022March 4, 2022 Mathieu Vathstamp, Seats, Louis XVI style

Conservation work for these two marquise chairs, stamped by Claude I Sené. Claude I Sené (1724-1792), son of Jean Sené, obtained his master craftsman's certificate in 1743 in Paris and worked in the same workshop as his brother-in-law, the cabinetmaker Jean-Etienne Saint-Georges, on the rue de Cléry, under the sign "du Grand Saint-Georges." His output includes numerous Louis XV chairs but very few Louis XVI pieces. Claude Sené ceased practicing his trade in 1780. He was the father of two other illustrious chair makers, Jean-Baptiste Claude and Claude […]

Regency chest of drawers

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

Restoration of a Regency commode veneered in rosewood and palisander. The commode arrived in very poor condition; the joints were completely detached, there was significant veneer loss, major structural deformations on the sides, and a patina heavily soiled by multiple layers of dark wax. The bronze mounts and locks had been added during a 19th-century restoration. A standard restoration for this type of furniture was carried out; the sides and joints were re-glued as best as possible, and the missing veneer was […]

Esterházy Chest of Drawers

February 14, 2022February 14, 2022 Mathieu Vathconvenient, Boulle marquetry, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration, 17th century, 18th century

Restoration of this unusual piece of furniture from Austria/Hungary. I must admit I had some difficulty placing it geographically. It was clear that it wasn't from France but rather from Eastern Europe. But where? Fortunately, engravings provide valuable clues; the clothing depicted corresponds well to the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The landscapes consist of mountains and villages; the vegetation is composed of deciduous and coniferous trees, and several medieval castle ruins can be seen. […]

Directoire Liquor Cellar

February 9, 2022February 9, 2022 Mathieu Vathliquor cabinet, Directorate, Veneering - Marquetry

Minor restoration of a liquor cabinet veneered in brass and Amboyna burl, with a Directoire-era clover-shaped lock. We note the stamp: "Made by Maire, cabinetmaker, 13 rue Saint Honoré, Paris." To see previous restorations: https://ebenisterie-mathieuvath.fr/en-ce-moment-a-latelier/

Napoleon III worker

February 2, 2022February 2, 2022 Mathieu VathBoulle marquetry, Napoleon III, Veneering - Marquetry, blackened pear tree, furniture restoration

Restoration of a Napoleon III period sewing table inlaid with mother-of-pearl, brass, and ebony. As you can see from the photos, this sewing table was in very poor condition. Only the affection and sentimental value of its owner saved it. Indeed, the time required for the restoration of this table was far too great compared to the object's value. Almost all of the brass inlay on the base was missing, there was a lot of missing veneer, and there was a […]

Empire Gueridon

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

Restoration of an Empire-style mahogany burl veneer pedestal table. It was in rather poor condition upon arrival at the workshop; the bronze mounts were heavily soiled, there was significant structural delamination, and veneer was missing. The restoration therefore consisted of re-gluing the structural elements and the veneer. This operation was carried out under vacuum with the injection of a penetrating adhesive for the upper apron and the central shaft. The few old grafts, which had been done with the grain running in the wrong direction, were removed and replaced with a matching veneer […]

Directoire cylinder desk

January 18, 2022January 19, 2022 Mathieu Vathmahogany, cylinder desk, directory, stamp, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration

Restoration of a late 18th-century Directoire roll-top desk veneered in mahogany burl on all four sides. It bears the mark CD or GD, a mark unknown to me. Any information regarding it would be greatly appreciated! Constructed entirely of oak (not a single piece of poplar, not even for the drawer pulls or panels), the upper section opens with a cylinder, revealing four small drawers surmounted by a niche, as well as a sliding writing surface covered in gilt tooling and two side pull-outs also covered in gilt tooling […]

Mazarin Boulle Office

December 27, 2021December 27, 2021 Mathieu VathBronzes, Desk, Boulle marquetry, furniture restoration, French polish, 17th century, 18th century

To end the year on a high note, here's a restoration that occupied a large part of my time this year and which reached its owner a few weeks ago. It's the restoration of an eight-legged writing desk, commonly known as a "Mazarin" desk. Constructed of solid oak and softwood, the sides and drawer bottoms are made of light walnut. The marquetry covering it consists of Caret tortoiseshell (Eretmochelys imbricata) on a vermilion red ground, and brass. All of this is framed by delicate ebony stringing. It is […]

Louis XVI commode

December 20, 2021December 20, 2021 Mathieu Vathamaranth, rosewood, violet wood, Bronzes, convenient, Louis XVI, Rio Rosewood, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration, 18th century

This week, we're restoring a Louis XVI commode with a projecting front, veneered in Rio rosewood, amaranth, and violet wood, with marquetry stringing in boxwood and ebony forming a ribbon wrapped around the wood, the background of the engravings filled with red wax. The tapered legs and canted uprights have faux fluting in ebony and boxwood. There's no maker's mark to attribute this beautiful piece and the high quality of wood chosen for its construction. Regarding the restoration, the work isn't very […]

Eight-foot desk known as the "Mazarin" desk«

December 9, 2021December 9, 2021 Mathieu Vathviolet wood, Desk, Rio Rosewood, Veneering - Marquetry, French polish, 17th century, 18th century

Extensive restoration work has been undertaken on this Mazarin desk, veneered in kingwood and rosewood. It is entirely veneered on fir with a solid rosewood base. The top features a marquetry of rosewood stars surrounded by kingwood butterfly wings in circular patterns. Why the name "Mazarin"? The eight-legged desk is one of the jewels of 17th-century furniture. It only acquired the name "Mazarin" from antique dealers in the 19th century to give it a more prestigious name.

L Cueunieres Writing Desk

November 26, 2021November 27, 2021 Mathieu Vathmahogany, Inkwell, Napoleon III, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration, French polish, 19th century

A small restoration for this very pretty Louis XVI style inkwell, stamped L.CUENIERES jne. Louis Cueunières jeune, established at 10 rue Villehardouin in Paris in 1870, specialized in the restoration of antique furniture and the reproduction of period pieces. This inkwell was in fairly good condition. Apart from a few small pieces of missing ebony, it was simply dirty. A few ebony grafts, a good cleaning, and a touch-up of the varnish with a French polish were enough to restore its former luster. To see previous restorations: https://ebenisterie-mathieuvath.fr/en-ce-moment-a-latelier/ You can find this piece at […]

Louis XV style desk

November 6, 2021November 6, 2021 Mathieu VathDesk, Napoleon III, Veneering - Marquetry

A major restoration was undertaken for this small Louis XV style desk, richly adorned with bronze mounts and veneered in rosewood. The restoration involved replacing the missing veneer while preserving as much of the remaining material as possible. This was achieved by using veneer that was sliced, scraped, sanded, oxidized, and varnished before being re-glued, thus avoiding the need to sand the piece before finishing. Rosewood is a very dark wood that lightens with age, developing a beautiful reddish patina that cannot be removed by any means.

Regency chest of drawers

October 30, 2021October 30, 2021 Mathieu Vathconvenient, conservation, Rio Rosewood, Veneering - Marquetry, regency, furniture restoration

Originating in the late 17th century but only acquiring its name in the early 18th century, this is the first classic model of a commode. Although typically Louis XIV in style, it may not have existed before the Regency period. With rounded corner pilasters with slightly convex faces, deep copper fluting, veneer, and geometric bronze mounts, it features three rows of drawers. It perpetuates the spirit of Louis XIV furniture throughout much of the 18th century. Bibliography: Furniture […]

Transitional dresser

October 15, 2021October 15, 2021 Mathieu Vathrosewood, Bronzes, convenient, conservation, Rio Rosewood, Veneering - Marquetry, Transitional style, Transition

Restoration of a transitional period commode with a projecting front, veneered in rosewood and palisander. The Greek key-patterned moldings, stained green, are made of hornbeam, and the front features a butterfly wing design. It opens with two large drawers with concealed crossbars, and three drawers in an upper row. The uprights, with simulated fluting, are veneered in ebony and boxwood. It rests on four cabriole legs adorned with hoof-shaped feet. Although it has undergone some alterations […]

Louis XV style flat desk

September 27, 2021September 27, 2021 Mathieu Vathmahogany, Desk, Rio Rosewood, Veneering - Marquetry, 19th century

A second life for this Louis XV style desk veneered in Rio rosewood (Dabergia niera) and African mahogany (khaya). Besides the construction and visible tool marks, dating this desk is greatly facilitated by the presence of this African mahogany. Indeed, it was from the late 19th century that this type of mahogany began to arrive from the west coast of Africa and became prevalent in all furniture production at the beginning of the 20th century. The restoration consisted of re-gluing the structure […]

Louis XVI Powder Box/Writing Table

September 10, 2021September 13, 2021 Mathieu Vathmahogany, Louis XVI, Veneering - Marquetry, French polish, 18th century

The dressing table, sometimes called a powder table, can be defined as a vanity unit in the form of a table or a small writing desk with drawers. Around 1730, shortly after the commode, this new type of furniture, often richly inlaid or veneered with precious woods, appeared in French furniture. This rather atypical powder table has the unique feature of also serving as a writing desk, or at least a desk for writing. Its four legs are made of solid mahogany, and the stretchers are also veneered in mahogany. The four surfaces are […]

Louis XVI commode stamped JA LECLERE

September 4, 2021September 4, 2021 Mathieu Vathmahogany, convenient, stamp, Veneering - Marquetry

Jacques-Antoine Leclere (1744 – January 30, 1792) obtained his master craftsman's certificate in Paris on September 29, 1779. He worked on the rue du Faubourg-Saint-Antoine, then on the rue des Barres, and finally in the courtyard of the Jewish Quarter, a stone's throw from the Bastille. This cabinetmaker produced well-made Louis XV and Louis XVI pieces. He used rosewood, satinwood, mahogany, and also lacquer panels. His stamp can be found on secretaries, chests of drawers, and various small pieces of furniture. For example, a pair of Louis XVI half-moon commodes veneered […]

Louis XV/Transition Commode by Nicolas Abraham Couleru

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

This slightly curved commode, composed of three drawers and veneered with bottomless cubes of walnut, plum, and cherry, has a marquetry top depicting a bouquet of flowers on an amaranth ground. Plum or Quetchier wood is easily recognizable by its sapwood markings, which create a lighter pattern and lend an irregularity to the decoration. The frame is made of fir and walnut. It is difficult to define a precise style for this commode. Although Louis XV, it clearly foreshadows the arrival of the style's more restrained appearance […]

"Cabaret" pedestal table«

August 15, 2021August 15, 2021 Mathieu Vathmahogany, Solid Wood, furniture restoration, French polish

Very fashionable at the end of the 18th century, the cabaret table, or cabaret table, is characterized by a raised, basin-shaped top. Its slightly concave shape with a raised rim all around allows for the safe serving of various beverages such as teas, hot chocolates, and other drinks. This model, similar to those made by the cabinetmaker Canabas, is made of solid mahogany from Saint-Domingue with metal reinforcement under the legs. The biggest problem, in fact, was with the legs; they wobbled in all directions. The […]

Transitional chest of drawers stamped A. HERICOURT

July 22, 2021July 22, 2021 Mathieu Vathamaranth, rosewood, Bronzes, convenient, Veneering - Marquetry, Transition

Congratulations to Arnaud for the restoration of this Transition period commode veneered in rosewood, amaranth, and satinwood for the sides, and green-stained maple for the stringing. The frame is made of oak and softwood. Antoine Héricourt (c. 1730–1792) obtained his master craftsman's certificate on October 20, 1773, after working for several years as a journeyman in the Faubourg Saint-Antoine. After obtaining his certificate, he settled on the rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and became a representative of his guild, then a syndic. His extensive production was highly prized by a French clientele and […]

Louis XV writing table

July 12, 2021July 12, 2021 Mathieu Vathviolet wood, Louis XV, Veneering - Marquetry

Before/after the restoration of a Louis XV writing table veneered in kingwood on solid oak. It has two side drawers and a central pull-out shelf beneath the leather-covered top. Besides the significant discoloration of the varnish, there were some small areas of peeling and missing veneer. The missing pieces were replaced with new veneer, which was sawn, scraped, and sanded, then cut to the correct thickness before gluing in order to avoid disturbing the patina beneath the bleached varnish. The […]

Louis XVI Molitor Console

July 3, 2021July 4, 2021 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 structure is made of oak and solid mahogany for the legs. 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. He arrived in Paris in 1776 and worked in a small workshop located in the Arsenal district. It was after obtaining his master's certificate that he established himself on the rue de Bourbon-Saint-Germain. The austerity […]

Louis XV slant-front secretary

June 15, 2021June 23, 2021 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 slant-front secretary/desk in Boulle marquetry and rosewood. And yes, it wasn't only under Napoleon III that the reuse of Boulle marquetry was fashionable. In fact, Boulle marquetry continued to have admirers throughout the 18th century. It was from the 1750s onwards that the renewed interest was most pronounced. Prominent merchants, such as Lazare Duvaux, began selling them occasionally at considerable prices to prestigious clients, […]

Louis XV commode

March 7, 2021May 31, 2021 Mathieu Vathrosewood, violet wood, convenient, Louis XV, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration, 18th century

This is a significant restoration project for this Louis XV commode, originally veneered in rosewood and violet wood. It took me some time to determine if it was indeed violet wood, as the commode had undergone so much restoration that there was almost as much rosewood as violet wood. Fortunately, the drawers are still in fairly good condition and are indeed made of violet wood, so I conclude that the commode was […]

Sleep

February 14, 2021May 31, 2021 Mathieu Vathmahogany, Empire, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration, sleep

Restoration of an early 19th-century somno veneered in Cuban mahogany burl. It's fair to say it has already suffered considerably from previous restorations. The missing veneer and the dimensional shrinkage of the wood have been filled with wood filler and then disguised. The problem is, that's all you can see! You might be wondering what a somno is? Created during the Consulate, in the early years of Napoleon I's reign, the somno, or somneau, is a small piece of furniture made of […]

Louis XVI commode

February 6, 2021May 31, 2021 Mathieu Vathamaranth, rosewood, oak, convenient, graft, Veneering - Marquetry, sawn veneer, furniture restoration, Louis XVI style, French polish, 18th century

Restoration of a Louis XVI period commode from eastern France, made of solid oak and fir and veneered with end-grain laburnum, walnut, plum, amaranth, rosewood, palisander, boxwood, and green-stained hornbeam. The handles and keyholes were added at a later date. The original fittings are missing; only the holes for the handles remain. This is a piece of furniture that has never been restored. The veneer is almost 4 mm thick in some places, and […]

Secret box

December 24, 2020May 31, 2021 Mathieu Vathbox, Copy of an old, Creation, Louis XVI, Marquetry, Louis XVI style, French polish

The brief was to create a multi-movement secret box inspired by Japanese boxes but with French-style marquetry. This box comprises three movements to access the secret drawer and a spring-loaded button concealed beneath the veneer that allows the drawer to be ejected. For the form and marquetry, I drew inspiration from the traveling secretary attributed to Jean-François Oeben. The geometric shapes and colors closely correspond to what this cabinetmaker […]

Secretary of the Board of Directors

December 12, 2020May 31, 2021 Mathieu Vathmahogany, Solid Wood, Bronzes, Directorate, restoration, furniture restoration, return from Egypt, secretary

Here is a secretary desk in the most understated style of the Directoire period. Its frame is made of solid beech and conifer, and it is veneered with mahogany and mottled mahogany. It is very simply adorned with bronze handles in the form of a lion's head holding a ring in its mouth. The keyhole escutcheons are in the shape of a shield. The interior comprises seven drawers, the middle one of which opens with a key. The drop-front opens with a period three-point lock. The lower section consists of three drawers, or has been transferred […]

Regency commode stamped J.BIRCKLE

November 27, 2020May 31, 2021 Mathieu VathBronzes, convenient, Rio Rosewood, Veneering - Marquetry, restoration, furniture restoration, satin, French polish

Restoration of a chest of drawers veneered in Rio rosewood and satinwood stringing. It has two large drawers and two small ones in the upper section. Its frame is made of oak and fir. It is stamped J.BIRKLE on the left upright and also bears the mark JME. It shows some signs of restoration and an ink mark on one side of a drawer. Jacques Bircklé (1734-1803) – Cabinetmaker – master craftsman obtained on July 30, 1764. One of the suppliers to the Royal Furniture Repository under Louis XVI. Freelance craftsman before […]

Louis XVI/Directory Secretary

November 9, 2020May 31, 2021 Mathieu Vathmahogany, conservation, Leather, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration, secretary, Louis XVI style, French polish, 18th century

Restoration of a drop-front secretary desk built in oak and veneered with mottled mahogany and mahogany from Saint-Domingue. Its design dates from the late 18th century. Its white Carrara marble top is surrounded by a partially openwork brass gallery. It opens with a drawer at the top, a drop-front in the middle, and three drawers at the bottom; all the original locks are secured with a clover-shaped key. All the panels on the front and sides are framed with brass quarter-round moldings. The drop-front is veneered in mahogany […]

Empire secretary with quiver

October 30, 2020May 31, 2021 Mathieu Vathmahogany, Directorate, Empire, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration, secretary, French polish, 19th century

You remember the Empire chest of drawers with the quivers. Well, here is the secretary desk with the quivers. It is built in exactly the same way as the chest: same construction, same solid woods used, and same mahogany veneers. As for the restoration, it is identical to that of the chest of drawers. The aim is to preserve as much as possible and restore the piece of furniture to its original function without altering its history. The work therefore consisted of reattaching the structure and the few detached veneer elements. And to […]

Jacob Frères bench and armchairs on rue Meslée

October 1, 2020May 31, 2021 Mathieu Vathmahogany, Directorate, Armchair, Jacob, furniture restoration, Seats

Extensive restoration and conservation work has been undertaken on this bench and its four armchairs from the Consulate period, stamped Jacob Frères, rue Meslée. The front and back legs are made of solid Cuban mahogany, while the crossbars are veneered. The armrests, supported by Egyptian heads, are made of light Saint-Domingue mahogany to create a contrast with the uprights. They are adorned with carved palmettes and rosettes in Cuban mahogany. They rest on tapered front legs ending in claw feet, and the rear legs are arched. […]

Empire Chest of Drawers with Quivers

September 17, 2020May 31, 2021 Mathieu Vathmahogany, Bronzes, convenient, conservation, Empire, Veneering - Marquetry, sawn veneer, restoration, furniture restoration, French polish, 19th century

This week, here are some photos of the restoration of this Empire-style chest of drawers veneered in mahogany burl. This chest is truly unique due to the quality and originality of its bronze mounts. Indeed, they form quivers along with the side columns. The keyhole escutcheons are composed of two crossed laurel branches held together by a ribbon. Originally, they were mercury-gilded, as can be seen from the gilding stains on the back. Unfortunately, only a few partial traces remain on the front […]

Small Boulle marquetry cartel clock

August 24, 2020June 11, 2022 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 […]

Napoleon III wall shelf

August 13, 2020May 31, 2021 Mathieu Vathrosewood, conservation, wall shelf, graft, Napoleon III, Uncategorized, Veneering - Marquetry, restoration, furniture restoration, French polish, 19th century

Restoration of a Napoleon III period wall shelf veneered in blackened pearwood, rosewood, amaranth, amboyna burl, and marquetry with a music theme. Underneath the dust, aside from small losses in the blackened pearwood and rosewood, and slight dehydration, there was nothing too serious. A few veneer grafts, a vacuum-sealed glue application, a thorough cleaning, a coat of clear French polish, and voilà! All this without using sandpaper. Except for lightly sanding the varnish […]

Hedouin commode with crowned C

August 5, 2020May 31, 2021 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 constructed of solid oak, fir, and walnut. The edges of the frieze and geometric marquetry in violet wood are veneered with satinwood. Two types of violet wood are visible: one with a very tight grain and veining for the lozenges, and a second, more intricate type for the marquetry edges, uprights, and rails. The […]

Napoleon III liquor cabinet

July 25, 2020June 11, 2022 Mathieu Vathliquor cabinet, Napoleon III, Veneering - Marquetry, restoration, furniture restoration, French polish, 19th century

It would seem that the first liquor cellars appeared at the very end of the 18th century. But it was in the 19th century that the fashion for liquor cellars truly took off. The revolution transformed social classes and ways of socializing, leading to increased consumption of liquor, which contributed to the rise of this new social object. The emergence of liquor cellars is, of course, directly linked to the evolution of alcohol consumption in France, such as sweet Mediterranean wines, brandies, cognac, liqueurs, and more.

Louis XVI half-moon table

July 17, 2020June 11, 2022 Mathieu Vathmahogany, Veneering - Marquetry, Louis XVI style, half-moon table, French polish, 18th century

Here is a three-tiered half-moon table. This style of table, originating in England, is a classic of the Louis XVI style. It opens to reveal two circular tiers, one lined with felt, the other veneered in mahogany. The mahogany burl veneer apron is adorned with a brass frame. It rests on five tapered legs with brass-filled fluting and ending in sabots. The fifth leg is attached to a drawer that opens to serve as a support once the flap is unfolded. A very attractive piece, probably dating from the end of the […]

Louis XVI style desk stamped KRIEGER

July 13, 2020June 11, 2022 Mathieu Vathmahogany, Bronzes, Desk, Napoleon III, Veneering - Marquetry, restoration, furniture restoration, French polish, 19th century

Exquisitely crafted with its mahogany-veneered oak frame and solid mahogany legs, this desk is a perfect example of high-quality 19th-century furniture. The cabinetmaking is flawlessly executed, and the bronze mounts are in pristine condition. Everything is there; nothing is missing. The Krieger firm began its cabinetmaking business in the mid-19th century with Antoine Krieger (1804-1869) before adding a significant decorative department, which ensured the prestige of its business until around 1945. The Krieger firm produced all the […]

N. PETIT Roll-Top Desk

July 7, 2020May 31, 2021 Mathieu Vathmahogany, Solid Wood, Bronzes, Desk, cylinder desk, Nicolas Petit, furniture restoration

DIMENSIONS: H.71 W.104 D.52 This roll-top desk perfectly matches those made by Nicolas Petit's workshop between 1770 and 1791, the year of his death. Indeed, with a few exceptions, Nicolas Petit primarily produced this type of secretary in molded mahogany, resting on fluted legs and topped with white marble. Simple in style, they reflected the taste of the period. It comprises two drawers in the frieze, two side pull-out shelves, and a central pull-out shelf that locks when the drop-front is closed. The interior consists of […]

Transitional dresser

June 24, 2020May 31, 2021 Mathieu VathVacuum bonding, convenient, conservation, Veneering - Marquetry, sawn veneer, polite, restoration, furniture restoration, Transitional style

Here is a very simple chest of drawers from eastern France, probably dating from the late 18th century. The front is slightly curved and the uprights are chamfered. It should be noted that the bronze mounts are probably not original. The frame is made of solid softwood, and the uprights are oak. The drawer bottoms are set in rebates and slide on the drawer fronts, which is typical of provincial work. A small peculiarity: this chest of drawers does not have top panels, the […]

J.STUMPFF Roll-Top Desk

June 7, 2020May 31, 2021 Mathieu Vathamaranth, rosewood, Bronzes, Desk, J.STUMPFF, Veneering - Marquetry, Louis XVI style

Restoration and conservation work on this rare Louis XVI period roll-top desk stamped by Jean-Chrysostôme Stumpff. 1731 - January 17, 1806 – Master craftsman on August 27, 1766. Originally from Schweigern, Swabia (Germany), he married in 1760 in Paris, at the Swedish embassy, like most of his compatriots of the Reformed faith. His fellow cabinetmaker Ferdinand Scherdfeger was a witness at the wedding. It was in his workshop on Rue Saint-Nicolas that he produced some Louis XV style furniture, but primarily a large number of transitional and Louis XVI pieces. The large […]

Napoleon III style Louis XVI work table

May 25, 2020May 31, 2021 Mathieu Vathmahogany, rosewood, conservation, graft, Napoleon III, Veneering - Marquetry, restoration, furniture restoration, work table

A few photos of the restoration of a small Louis XVI style work table from the late 19th century. The legs are solid mahogany, and it is veneered with rosewood, sapele, blackened pearwood, and boxwood for the fluting and stringing. Nothing too serious for this pretty little piece of furniture, which only had a few missing veneers and a small chip on the side of the oak drawer. A simple restoration: a few veneer grafts glued with hot glue, a light cleaning of […]

Chest of drawers in the style of the Axe

April 6, 2020May 31, 2021 Mathieu VathSolid Wood, convenient, graft, restoration, furniture restoration, Louis XVI style

Here are some photos of the restoration of a solid walnut commode, veneered with thuya burl inlay and Greek key stringing in amaranth and boxwood. The drawers and the interior and back panels are made of fir. Despite the curved stretcher, its shape, and its feet, this commode is indeed in the transitional style but from the Louis XVI period. In the title, I wrote "in the style of the Hache family" because it is certain that this commode originated in the Dauphiné region. But whether it is a product of the famous […]

Louis XVI commode stamped JA BRUNS

March 16, 2020May 31, 2021 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. It is made of oak for all the structural elements, except for the side panels, drawer backs, drawer fronts, and the 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 made of boxwood and ebony, and there is a green-stained maple stringing forming the corners at […]

Label signed "Louis David Carré in Paris"«

February 22, 2020May 31, 2021 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 Jullien 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, 2020May 31, 2021 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 Charonne, 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 […]

Mazarine Chest of Drawers

January 27, 2020May 31, 2021 Mathieu Vathconvenient, Veneering - Marquetry, restoration, furniture restoration, Louis XVI style, French polish

Here is a charming Mazarine commode from the Louis XIV period. With a serpentine front and three drawers in three rows, it is topped with a marquetry top featuring a compass rose on an end-grain wood background. Constructed on a fir frame, it is covered with a beautiful olive veneer, with both end-grain and grain-grained veneer, rosewood, ash on the sides, and boxwood for the stringing and compass rose. The crossbeams are joined with straight dovetail joints on the sides, which has caused some minor imperfections.

Louis XVI style sewing box

January 18, 2020May 31, 2021 Mathieu Vathmahogany, rosewood, graft, Napoleon III, Veneering - Marquetry, restoration, furniture restoration, Louis XVI style, 19th century

This sewing box dates from the Napoleon III period. The frame is made of softwood. The veneer is composed of Rio rosewood, mahogany for the interior, and a green-stained boxwood and maple inlay. The great quality of this box is that the lid hasn't warped. This is often the major problem with this type of furniture, as people forget to lock them, causing the wood to warp. It then becomes very difficult to find the "trick" to ensure the box stays closed.

Louis XVI style table

January 4, 2020May 31, 2021 Mathieu Vathmahogany, rosewood, graft, Marquetry, Veneering - Marquetry, restoration, furniture restoration, Louis XVI style

Here is a Louis XVI style table, which is probably an early 20th-century piece. It was likely made in the Faubourg Saint-Antoine, or perhaps at the École Boulle. I have seen apprentice furniture of this quality made by students during their training. Its frame is oak, while the veneer is rosewood and mahogany with a black inlay. The restoration was straightforward, apart from a lack of rosewood in the marquetry […]

Empire bed

December 30, 2019May 31, 2021 Mathieu Vathmahogany, Solid Wood, Empire, graft, bed, restoration, furniture restoration, French polish, 19th century

The "boat" bed, with its characteristic curve, is a French invention that appeared during the Directory and was very fashionable during the Empire and the Restoration. It is easily recognizable here by its lion's paw feet. The varnish on this bed had worn away, making it impossible to distinguish between the two mahogany pieces. The mahogany is known as Cuban mahogany (Swietenia mahogani), from Cuba, a Spanish colony. Evidence of its importation into Spain, specifically Seville, dates back to 1519-1520. It was used by Philip II between 1563 and 1584 during the construction of the Palace […]

Secretary Napoleon III

December 21, 2019May 31, 2021 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 […]

Louis XV slant-front desk (After restoration)

December 19, 2019May 31, 2021 Mathieu Vathrosewood, violet wood, Bronzes, donkey's back desk, Veneering - Marquetry, restoration, furniture restoration, French polish

A while ago I told you about this desk that was being restored. Well, here it is finished. The varnishing process took three weeks. This allowed enough time for the varnish to set properly, in order to achieve the best possible result. https://ebenisterie-mathieuvath.fr/en-ce-moment-a-latelier/ So here are some before and after photos.

Louis XV slant-front desk

November 29, 2019May 31, 2021 Mathieu Vathrosewood, violet wood, Bronzes, donkey's back desk, oak, graft, Veneering - Marquetry, sawn veneer, restoration, furniture restoration, 17th century

The restoration of a lovely slant-front desk, or as Riesener calls it in his memoirs, a "tomb-shaped secretary," began two weeks ago. With the restoration phase complete and the varnishing underway, I'm taking a moment to provide a brief summary of the project. The desk's frame is made of oak and fir, veneered with rosewood and violet wood, and the drop-front features floral marquetry of boxwood, natural and stained maple, and hornbeam. It includes a large drawer […]

Corner cabinet in Boulle marquetry from the Napoleon III period

November 20, 2019May 31, 2021 Mathieu VathBronzes, Vacuum bonding, corner, graft, Brass, Boulle marquetry, Napoleon III, Uncategorized, furniture restoration, French polish

A classic restoration of Boulle marquetry. This involved rehydrating the old glue through infiltration, crafting and gluing the missing brass pieces, and reconstructing the base, which was in poor condition but not beyond repair. The bronze mounts were cleaned and finished with a clear French polish. Proof that appearances can be deceiving. Even a piece of furniture in a severely deteriorated state can regain its former beauty.

Commode returning from Egypt

November 3, 2019May 31, 2021 Mathieu Vathmahogany, Bronzes, convenient, graft, Veneering - Marquetry, restoration, furniture restoration, return from Egypt, 19th century

During the turbulent period of the French Revolution, furniture production was considerably diminished, and most artisans experienced very difficult times. Overall, from the Consulate to the Directory, furniture and seating had little time to evolve. However, even though some decorative motifs inspired by Egypt had already appeared, it was after the Egyptian expedition (1798-1801) that they evolved into a unique style. The so-called "Return from Egypt" style, however, lasted only a short time: a decade at most, as it would […]

Secretary stamped Martin Ohneberg

October 23, 2019May 31, 2021 Mathieu VathLeather, stamp, graft, Veneering - Marquetry, restoration, furniture restoration, secretary, Louis XVI style, French polish

This week marks the completion of the restoration of a Louis XVI period secretary. Martin Ohneberg (Master in 1773), the cabinetmaker who crafted this piece, was an excellent marquetry artist and used very high-quality rosewood. He produced numerous pieces of furniture with very simple lines but exquisite marquetry, including an endless variety of drop-front secretaries. This particular one is veneered with rosewood and amaranth, and features a mosaic marquetry of maple blossoms on a red satinwood ground. The framing bands […]

Louis XIII style desk

October 2, 2019May 31, 2021 Mathieu VathLouis XIII, Marquetry, Uncategorized, Veneering - Marquetry, restoration, furniture restoration

A look back at the restoration of a 17th-century Louis XIII table. It is made of solid walnut and veneered with walnut, ebony, ivory, and boxwood. This table had spent a long time in an attic, and unfortunately, the tabletop suffered considerably. Many sections of veneer were missing. The restoration therefore began by removing what little veneer remained. It was very easy; it was completely detached. I simply had to lift it with a thin blade, and it came right off. After having […]

Pedestal table with cube marquetry

September 19, 2019May 31, 2021 Mathieu Vathpedestal table, Veneering - Marquetry

This week, I restored a lovely pedestal table, made locally with a solid ash base and marquetry of maple, walnut, and plum wood for the bottomless cubes. The restoration wasn't too difficult: I re-glued the loose marquetry pieces, stripped the old finish, and applied a French polish. I used a very interesting new recipe that I'll share in a future post. It's a recipe from 1861 by Dessaignes.

Majorelle Table

August 29, 2019May 31, 2021 Mathieu VathArt Deco, Art Nouveau, stamp, graft, Majorelle, Veneering - Marquetry, restoration, furniture restoration

Here is a table in pure Art Deco style. It is veneered with Macassar ebony and the legs are mahogany. This table was probably created around the 1920s. Indeed, Louis Majorelle is best known as one of the great cabinetmakers of the Art Nouveau style, but it is too often forgotten that he was one of the forerunners of the Art Deco style, this table being a perfect example. In terms of restoration, as always, the veneer requires the most work; there […]

Transitional dresser in the style of Topino

August 26, 2019May 31, 2021 Mathieu Vathrosewood, Bronzes, convenient, graft, Marquetry, Veneering - Marquetry, sawn veneer, restoration, furniture restoration, Transitional style

A month ago, a lovely transitional commode arrived, which reminds me of the work of the cabinetmaker Charles Topino (circa 1742-1803) – he received his master craftsman's certificate on July 4, 1773. However, this commode does not bear his stamp, nor any stamp for that matter. This confirms that a stamp is not necessary to possess a piece of high-quality furniture. Furthermore, the marquetry could very well have come from Topino's workshop, as he sold panels of his marquetry to the haberdashers and his colleagues […]

Louis XV corner cabinet, stamped JM CHEVALLIER (Restoration completed)

August 8, 2019May 31, 2021 Mathieu Vathrosewood, violet wood, Bronzes, KNIGHT, corner, Louis XV, Veneering - Marquetry, sawn veneer, restoration, furniture restoration, 17th century

Louis XV slant-front desk stamped HEDOUIN (Restoration complete)

August 1, 2019May 31, 2021 Mathieu Vathviolet wood, Bronzes, donkey's back desk, Leather, stamp, graft, HEDOUIN, Louis XV, Uncategorized, Veneering - Marquetry, restoration, furniture restoration, French polish

Remember that slant-front desk? Well, it's finished. It was quite a task, but now it's regained its former glory. Only the drawer keyholes and the leather upholstery remain to be fitted before it's returned to its owner. A large part of the legs has been remade from sawn violet wood. This was cut to the correct thickness, scraped and sanded, then oxidized before being glued, so as not to have to sand the entire piece of furniture […]

Napoleon III Desk

July 23, 2019May 31, 2021 Mathieu Vathrosewood, Bronzes, Desk, graft, Napoleon III, Veneering - Marquetry, restoration, furniture restoration, French polish, 19th century

A classic restoration for this type of furniture. The legs are slightly damaged, the varnish has yellowed and dulled. A few rosewood grafts, cleaning, stripping, and a beautiful French polish will be enough to give it a new lease on life. Not forgetting the cleaning of the bronze mounts.

Louis XV slant-front desk stamped HEDOUIN

July 6, 2019May 31, 2021 Mathieu Vathviolet wood, Bronzes, Desk, donkey's back desk, stamp, graft, HEDOUIN, Louis XV, Veneering - Marquetry, sawn veneer, restoration, furniture restoration, 17th century

Thanks to its stamp, it is possible to date this slant-front desk, or cantilevered desk, between 1738 and 1783. The life of Jean-Baptiste Hedouin is relatively unknown. After becoming a master craftsman, he set up his workshop on Rue Traversière-Saint-Antoine. All the furniture he produced was of high quality. His pieces, primarily in the Regency and Louis XV styles, almost all veneered in sheets or with grid patterns, were varied: wardrobes, flat and slant-front desks, bookcases… but it was the commodes that constituted the largest part of his output.

Louis XV corner cabinet, stamped JM CHEVALLIER

July 3, 2019May 31, 2021 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 and veneered with rosewood and violet wood with a boxwood inlay. Jean-Mathieu Chevallier was already established on the rue de Grenelle under the sign "à la Croix Chevallier" when he obtained his master craftsman's certificate in 1743. He subsequently expanded his business considerably, had business dealings with André-Charles Boulle, one of the sons of the famous cabinetmaker, and contributed to furnishing the Hôtel du Duc de Talmont, as well as the Château de Villegénis, which he had purchased […]

Napoleon III planter and Louis XVI chest of drawers

June 13, 2019May 31, 2021 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.