ATTRIBUÉ À ÉTIENNE DOIRAT (1675 1732)

ATTRIBUÉ À ÉTIENNE DOIRAT (1675 1732)

RARE AND BEAUTIFUL BIBLIOTHÈQUE EN ENFILADE À HAUTUI D'APPUI Paris, Regency
Period Oak and fir wood frame, veneered with rosewood, amaranth, rosewood, ebony, gilt bronze, brass and marble
H. 114 cm, W. 270 cm, D. 47 cm
Restorations of use and maintenance, some bronzes and wire mesh brought back
This long low crossbow bookcase combines the most elegant characteristics of the
Regence style, combining the monumentality of the furniture typical of the Louis XIV style and the flexibility of the forms announcing the rockery of the first third of the 18th century.
It opens on the facade with a curved central leaf in rosewood and amaranth veneer centered by a curved cartouche delimited by a gilded bronze rod. In the centre, there is an inlaid decoration of squares on the tip punctuated with ebony surrounded by an ornamentation of flowers and acanthus leaves. A large gilt bronze shell punctuates its ornamentation.
When open, it reveals on the reverse an inlaid decoration of a rosewood rhombus on an amaranth background. This central leaf is framed by two straight jambs adorned with staples and flowers. It is flanked by two side leaves centered by a sinuous panel openworked by a gilded brass latticework. The lower part is punctuated by a radiating mask. The sides curve elegantly and are veneered with curling rosewood.
The whole piece of furniture rests on a plinth base that follows the sinuous shape of the piece of furniture. The base and the top of this superb piece of woodwork are highlighted with a gilded bronze rod chiselled with shells and flowers. It is topped with a marble throat.
This type of furniture is one of the innovations introduced during the Regency period where, thanks to the large surface area it provides, cabinetmakers will be able to vary woods and veneer techniques to create innovative visual effects.
The sumptuous and refined style of this furniture can be attributed to Etienne Doirat (1675- 1732), who worked for a rich French and foreign clientele. Together with
Charles Cressent (1685-1768), he was one of the most eminent representatives of the Regency style. His inventory after his death reveals that he made many chests of drawers but also cabinets and bookcases. Like our work, Doirat used an abundant bronze decoration where masks from the Louis XIV period are mixed with new features announcing the rocaille. Automatically translated by DeepL. To see the original version, click here.