marble

Barber shop Louis XVI/Directory

Mathieu Vathmahogany, barber, directory, Louis XVI, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration, French polish, 18th century
Ebénisterie Mathieu Vath

This elegant barber's cabinet in solid and veneered mahogany dates from the late 18th century. It rests on four tapered legs with casters and opens with three drawers in the front. Above, a niche with a blue Turquin marble top is framed by fluted columns. Next come two side drawers and a sliding marble top with a recessed base. Finally, this reveals a mirror that pivots on a rack and pinion mechanism, framed with ebony and brass stringing. Appearing during the reign of Louis XVI, the barber's cabinet is a piece of men's grooming furniture. Indeed, it holds the pitcher and […]

Read more

Empire Pedestal

Mathieu Vathmahogany, Empire, Veneering - Marquetry, restoration, furniture restoration, saddle, French polish

Restoration of a side table with walnut legs and frame, veneered in flame mahogany. It rests on three slender columns, adorned with bronze rings and surmounted by a circular top of veined black marble. The restoration consisted of tightening the cracked base, re-gluing the edge veneers, and applying some grafts. I stripped the columns, which were heavily infested with wood-boring insects, and then treated them with static anoxia. Static anoxia is an insecticidal treatment that works by depriving the wood of oxygen and also has an effect on […]

Read more

Louis XV commode

Mathieu Vathrosewood, violet wood, convenient, Louis XV, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration
Ebénisterie Mathieu VATH

The commode with a jumping top appears to have been invented during the Regency period, between 1705 and 1730, by the cabinetmaker Charles Cressent. It then became widespread under Louis XV. It has only two drawers, or two rows of drawers. Its body is raised on cabriole legs of medium height: the body occupies half the height of the piece, the legs the other half. The observer thus has the impression that the piece has legs allowing it to jump like a frog. The width offers straight, curved, or crossbow-shaped forms. The marble top follows the […]

Read more

Empire Chest of Drawers with Quivers

Mathieu Vathmahogany, Bronzes, convenient, conservation, Empire, Veneering - Marquetry, sawn veneer, restoration, furniture restoration, French polish, 19th century
Ebénisterie Mathieu VATH

This week, here are some photos of the restoration of this Empire-style chest of drawers veneered in mahogany burl. Its originality lies primarily in the quality of its bronze mounts. Indeed, together with the side columns, they form quivers. Furthermore, the keyhole escutcheons feature two crossed laurel branches tied with a ribbon. Originally, the bronze mounts were mercury-gilded, as evidenced by the gilding stains on the back. Unfortunately, only a few traces remain on the visible surface. Moreover, it is all the more unique because I must […]

Read more