Coffer

Attributed to André-Charles Boulle (born France, 1642–1732) · Paris · c. 1700–20

The cabinetmaker André-Charles Boulle was responsible for some of the finest examples of French furniture made during the reign of Louis XIV (1643–1715). Boulle perfected the technique of veneering furniture with a rich marquetry of tortoiseshell, pewter, and gilt copper, and further enriched his surfaces with sculptural gilt bronze mounts. Boulle's patrons included members of the royal family, aristocrats, ministers, and financiers.

Medium

Oak, tortoiseshell, brass, gilded copper, gilded bronze, pewter, ebony, and oiled paper

Dimensions

44.5 × 73 × 48.3 cm (17 1/2 × 28 3/4 × 19 in.)

Accession

2001.54

Credit line

Michael A. Bradshaw and Kenneth S. Harris, Eloise W. Martin, Richard T. Crane, Jr., Memorial, and European Decorative Arts Purchase funds; through prior acquisitions of Mrs. C. H. Boissevain in memory of Henry C. Dangler, Kate S. Buckingham Endowment, David Dangler, Harold T. Martin, and Katherine Field-Rodman