Coffer
Attributed to André-Charles Boulle (born France, 1642–1732)
- Maker
- Attributed to André-Charles Boulle (born France, 1642–1732)
- Date
- c. 1700–20
- 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.)
- Form
- Case Piece
- Origin
- Paris
- Museum
- Art Institute of Chicago
- 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
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.
