{"id":9862,"date":"2025-03-27T10:24:32","date_gmt":"2025-03-27T09:24:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ebenisterie-mathieuvath.fr\/?p=9862"},"modified":"2026-10-27T17:26:08","modified_gmt":"2026-10-27T16:26:08","slug":"bureau-plat-a-la-grec-estampille-dubois","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ebenisterie-mathieuvath.fr\/en\/2025\/03\/27\/bureau-plat-a-la-grec-estampille-dubois\/","title":{"rendered":"Flat Greek-style desk stamped DUBOIS"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Bureau
Upon his arrival at the workshop<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

One desk, one stamp, three cabinetmakers?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This desk is a masterpiece of French cabinetmaking. It alone embodies the culmination of 18th-century neoclassical taste. Yet, a question immediately arises: why three cabinetmakers for a single desk? In fact, the answer lies in a mixture of succession, talent, collaboration, and opportunism, typical of the craftsmanship of the period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This flat desk, known as a "Greek-style" desk, is a perfect example of the Louis XVI style. It combines marquetry of amaranth, satinwood, and kingwood with light wood stringing. It opens with three drawers in the frieze, one of which is secret. Furthermore, Greek-style friezes, punctuated by swirling gilt-bronze rosettes, adorn it with refinement. A gilt-bronze molding frames its leather-covered top.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It rests on four tapered legs, adorned with laurel wreaths made of well rope and ending in bronze sabots. Two side pull-out handles add a practical touch. It is therefore a very simple piece, whose geometry evokes Antiquity and travels in Italy. Finally, it bears the stamp of Jacques Dubois<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Jacques Dubois<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Born in Pontoise around 1693, Jacques Dubois was among the greatest Parisian cabinetmakers of the reign of Louis XV. Having worked for many years as a journeyman in the Faubourg Saint-Antoine, he became a master in 1742 at the age of forty-nine. He then enjoyed a brilliant career for nearly twenty years on the rue de Charenton, working for the high nobility. In 1752, he became a sworn member of the guild, responsible for judging the quality of his fellow craftsmen's furniture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1763, he was tasked with appraising the estate of Jean-Fran\u00e7ois Oeben. Then, after his own death a few months later, an inventory of his works was drawn up. His son Ren\u00e9 then took over the workshop on rue de Charenton. He continued his father's work for about twenty years and also enjoyed an excellent reputation.<\/p>\n\n\n

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This desk therefore bears the stamp of Jacques Dubois. However, it is not by his hand. Indeed, similar desks all date from 1765 to 1770, while Jacques Dubois had been dead for at least three years. His son Ren\u00e9 took over the business, while retaining his father's stamp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Bureau<\/figure>
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Ren\u00e9 Dubois<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

(1737-1799) Joiner-cabinetmaker in Paris. Master on June 25, 1755, then cabinetmaker to the queen in 1779. He signs his works with the old father's hallmark, I.DUBOIS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The son and pupil of Jacques Dubois, Ren\u00e9 took over his father's workshop on rue de Charenton in 1763, in partnership with his mother. Although he became a master craftsman at a very young age, he continued to use his father's stamp. In 1779, "L'Almanach g\u00e9n\u00e9ral des marchands" (The General Almanac of Merchants) listed him as cabinetmaker to the Queen. His production remained substantial until 1780. That year, he purchased a shop on rue Montmartre, dedicated to selling furniture. Finally, he ceased operations at the beginning of the Revolution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ren\u00e9 Dubois, cabinetmaker, Flat desk, Paris, circa 1775 \u2013 \u00a9 Les Arts D\u00e9coratifs \/ photo: Jean Tholance<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

However, disturbingly, this office bearing the Dubois stamp replicates in every respect the structure of three offices executed by Philippe-Claude Montigny.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A Louis XV period marquetry flat desk in the "Greek style," circa 1765-1770, stamped C. Montigny and JME. Photo Sotheby's<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Philippe-Claude Montigny<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Having become a master craftsman in 1766, Montigny was one of the principal artisans behind this creation. Working near the Bastille in his father's workshops, he crafted these exceptional desks, often in collaboration with his cousin Ren\u00e9 Dubois. Indeed, this model is sometimes found stamped with the Montigny mark, sometimes with the Dubois mark, clearly demonstrating the collaboration between the two masters. Together, they frequently produced desks for major collectors and dealers, such as Simon-Philippe Poirier.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Stamped office Montigny and JME \u2013 Photo Coutau B\u00e9garie and associates \u2013 sale of June 3, 2022 \u2013<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

It is therefore not surprising that the same piece is the work of several hands. Montigny, a master of Neoclassicism and fine bronzes, is undoubtedly its principal creator. However, Ren\u00e9 Dubois also contributed to this piece. As for Poirier, the renowned merchant-mercer, he may have been involved in the commission and sale. For example, the desk delivered in 1765 to the Earl of Coventry closely resembles this one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BIBLIOGRAPHY<\/h2>\n\n\n\n