Louis XV Archives • Ébénisterie Mathieu Vath

Louis XV style bookcase

June 25, 2026June 25, 2026 Mathieu Vathviolet wood, Louis XV, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration, 19th century

The restoration of this Louis XV style bookcase, dating from the Napoleon III era and stamped by Léon Dromard, is now complete. Its structure is made of oak, covered with a kingwood veneer, displaying a style very close to that produced by the cabinetmaker Pierre IV Migeon in the 18th century. But do you know what a bookcase is? A bookcase is a small, open storage unit that appeared in the 18th century, designed to hold books and decorative objects. Appreciated for its lightness and elegance, it quickly became a staple in refined interiors, […]

Pair of Louis XV commodes

February 12, 2026February 12, 2026 Mathieu Vathrosewood, convenient, Louis XV, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration, 18th century

Here is the latest major restoration project undertaken by Raphaël, our apprentice. It involves a pair of Louis XV style commodes bearing an unknown stamp, CCS, which could be attributed to Charles Claude Saunier, an early work by the latter. Please find below the detailed account of the work carried out by Raphaël. Enjoy your reading. Restoration of a Pair of Louis XV Commodes This restoration project was carried out on a set of two commodes, designed according to the aesthetic and technical principles of the Louis XV style. This style […]

Louis XV secretary desk, stamped MIGEON

December 11, 2025December 11, 2025 Mathieu Vathviolet wood, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration, secretary, 18th century

Restoration of a secretary desk, commonly called a "drop-front secretary" or "cabinet secretary," bearing the MIGEON stamp. This piece is distinguished by its serpentine front, opening with a pivoting drop-front that reveals nine small, curved drawers. The inside of the drop-front is lined with leather. The "cabinet" itself opens with two doors. The entire front is veneered with four panels of kingwood veneer, obliquely cut into butterfly wings. Each compartment is decorated with a quatrefoil motif of butterfly wings, set within a […]

Louis XV Cartel

November 13, 2025November 14, 2025 Mathieu Vathcartel, Louis XV, Boulle marquetry, furniture restoration, 18th century

This is the first cartel clock restoration undertaken by Raphael, focusing on this Louis XV cartel clock in Boulle marquetry of brown tortoiseshell and brass. Restoring a cartel clock is a complex task requiring considerable time and meticulous attention to detail. The curved shapes make gluing delicate operations, and it is generally necessary to reattach large sections of the brass elements. Condition report: This cartel clock presented widespread soiling, an oxidized and tarnished varnish, as well as several lifting and missing pieces in the brass and tortoiseshell marquetry. […]

Regency-style wardrobe stamped MIGEON

October 9, 2025October 9, 2025 Mathieu VathCupboard, violet wood, Louis XV, Rio Rosewood, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration, library display case, 18th century

Restoration of a Regency-style cabinet, probably dating from the 1740s, stamped by Pierre IV Migeon. Constructed of oak and softwood, this cabinet, which could also be considered a bookcase, is entirely veneered in kingwood, rosewood for the top, and walnut for the interiors. The doors are veneered with a butterfly-wing pattern, while the side doors feature a square motif, typical of Migeon's decorative vocabulary. The ogee cornice is edged with a half-round brass molding. The uprights […]

Louis XV Cartel

June 13, 2025September 12, 2025 Mathieu Vathcartel, Boulle marquetry, furniture restoration, 18th century

We are continuing our series on cartel clocks, which began a few months ago. Here are some images of the restoration of this Louis XV cartel clock in brown tortoiseshell and brass marquetry on an oak frame. Condition report: The structure is in a state of significant deterioration, and re-gluing the joints appears necessary. All the marquetry is detached or shows signs of glue dehydration. Furthermore, the clock has been heavily sanded, which has resulted in the disappearance of all traces of engraving on the brass elements. […]

Louis XV commode by JB Fromageau

December 14, 2024December 15, 2024 Mathieu Vathrosewood, violet wood, convenient, Louis XV, Veneering - Marquetry, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration, 18th century

Restoration of a Louis XV commode stamped by Jean-Baptiste Fromageau. Constructed of oak and conifer, this commode is inlaid with rosewood within violet wood frames. Curved at the front and flared at the sides, it features four drawers in three rows and is topped with a grey Saint Anne marble slab. Jean-Baptiste Fromageau, son of a master cabinetmaker, was born around 1725. After obtaining his master craftsman's certificate on November 5, 1755, he set up his workshop on Rue Traversière before establishing himself on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine. The Dauphiné Almanac […]

Louis XV secretary stamped C.Chevallier

March 21, 2024March 21, 2024 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 […]

Louis XV commode stamped NA Lapie

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

Restoration of a Louis XV commode, stamped by Nicolas Alexandre Lapie, veneered in amaranth and satinwood on a beautifully crafted oak frame. The sides and drawer fronts are made of softwood, and the marble top is Campan griotte marble. 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 the 17th […]

Louis XV slant-front desk

December 20, 2023December 20, 2023 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 […]

Louis XV desk stamped SAR

October 6, 2023October 6, 2023 Mathieu VathDesk, ebony, Louis XV, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration

Restoration of a Louis XV desk stamped by Jean-Girard-Théodore SAR. A magnificent desk of exceptional craftsmanship. The legs, apron, and drawers are made of walnut. The top is softwood. The entire piece is veneered with beautiful Indian ebony. Jean-Girard-Théodore SAR was born in 1724 and became a master craftsman on October 1, 1766. Established on Rue de Lappe in the Faubourg Saint-Antoine, he worked primarily for several colleagues, including Migeon from 1755, Coulon in 1774, and Dubuisson, among others.

Louis XV desk

September 29, 2023September 29, 2023 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/

Cartel LXV signed Levêque in Paris

June 14, 2023June 14, 2023 Mathieu Vathmahogany, cartel, Louis XV, Veneering - Marquetry, 18th century

Restoration of a Louis XV period cartel clock signed LEVEQUE A PARIS with its original movement. The surprising thing about this clock is that it is made of mahogany. And as curious as it may seem, despite the tool marks, the quality of the workmanship and the wood appear entirely authentic. With its shape and rocaille bronze mounts typical of the Louis XV style, it could therefore be a clock made from the second half of the 18th century. A precursor, then, to the appearance of mahogany in French furniture. The restoration has […]

Louis XV coffee table

April 20, 2023April 20, 2023 Mathieu Vathviolet wood, Louis XV, Uncategorized, Veneering - Marquetry, coffee table

Restoration of a mid-18th-century side table or writing table veneered in kingwood and rosewood for the chamfers. A minor restoration for everyday use. The most time-consuming part was reattaching approximately 90% small pieces of rosewood. To see previous restorations: https://ebenisterie-mathieuvath.fr/en-ce-moment-a-latelier/

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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.

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 […]

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 […]

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.