By Victor Paillard
Located in New Orleans, LA
This pair of French inlaid cabinets displays an astonishing level of artistry and craftsmanship. Clearly the work of the most skilled artisans, the intricate doré bronze is almost certainly the work of legendary Parisian bronzier, Victor Paillard. Delicate and precise inlaid parquetry and floral marquetry grace the cabinets' front and sides, complemented by magnificent Paillard bronze mounts accenting the double doors, tapered columns and friezes. Crisp white marble crowns these magnificent cabinets as their interiors are completely veneered in bird's eye maple. Every element of their design and construction creates a sense of exquisite taste and harmony. Today, such beautifully made and well-preserved pieces are rarely seen on the market, and to find a pair in such wonderful condition is truly auspicious.
One of the best known bronziers of the Napoleon III period, Victor Paillard (1805-1886) opened his own business in the 1830s of "bronze d'art et d'ameublement" at 105 boulevard Beaumarchais and 6 rue Saint-Claude. A fixture at the great International Exhibitions, the first public showing his work occured at the Exposition des produits de l'industrie in 1839 where he exhibited bronze sculptures and objets d'art with much success. That same year, Paillard began to experiment with gilding bronze, and by the 1851 London Exhibition, the technical prowess of his work left critics in awe. The artisan fulfilled important commissions for furnishings at the Salon du Congres and the Salon de l'Horlage, both of which still hold his breathtaking creations that include a monumental chandelier, a classical "Three Graces...
Category
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Victor Paillard Furniture