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拍品专文
These intricately carved boxes belong to a group of small objects including candlesticks, frames and toilette accessories, more commonly known as Bois de Bagard. Produced in Lorraine at the end of the 17th century and into the 18th Century, they are of a type of cherrywood with a reddish tone and fine grain called Saint-Lucie found in the regional forest of Sampigney-en-Barrois, now destroyed. The term Bois de Bagard, became associated with these objects through César Bagard (1620-1704), Court Sculptor to duc Charles IV de Lorraine, who lived and worked in Nancy at the time of the reign of Louis XIV. As Sculpteur de figures en grand he has been incorrectly linked with the production of these wares, which were more likely produced by Nancy sculptors by the name of Foulon. A document dated 1751 by the Benedictine monk Dom Calmet stated that "Many small objects are made out of bois de Sainte-Lucie in Lorraine which are exported to foreign parts. And this occupies numerous workers. The Foulons were famed for this and produced many works for the Dauphin." (see H. Demoriane, "Bois de Bagard", Conaissance des Arts, January 1968, pp. 91.). Nicolas Francois I Foulon (1628-1698) and his family were seemingly the largest producers of these objects; while other documented artisans active in Nancy at the time include Francois Manruisse, Claude des Indes, Charles Chassel, Jean-Baptiste Vallier and Jean-Francois Lupot, who probably produced less fine examples for the masses. (see L'Antiquaire & the Conniosseur, Inc.,Exhibition Catalog, Tempting Pandora, 2000, pp. 124-129.). Bagard himself cannot be excluded from the production of such finely carved specimens, though there is lack of documetation.
At the end of 17th Century sumptuary edicts enforced implementing the melting down of silver furniture and objects, as a result of Louis XIV's extensive military campaigns against the Dutch, which depleted the French Treasury. This led to the rise of other industrial crafts such as earthenware and woodcarving, which replaced the objects of silver and precious metals formerly found in wealthy homes in France. The craftsmen of Nancy transposed the designs of popular artists such as Jean Le Pautre and Jean Bérain and carved the entire surface of these objects in low relief. Early examples would often be found with armorials and ciphers centered on the lids of boxes surrounded by scrolling foliage, grotesque ornament, birds and flowers. The armorials on the boxes sold here belong in this early group, and are some of the finest examples of these wares. For related boxes see a pair originally in the collection of Olive, Lady Baillie, Leeds Castle, Kent, subsequently sold from the British Rail Pension Fund at Sotheby's London, on 4th July 1976, lot 77. As well as a pair sold at Sotheby's London, The Giuseppe Rossi Collection, 11 March 1999, lot 619.
At the end of 17th Century sumptuary edicts enforced implementing the melting down of silver furniture and objects, as a result of Louis XIV's extensive military campaigns against the Dutch, which depleted the French Treasury. This led to the rise of other industrial crafts such as earthenware and woodcarving, which replaced the objects of silver and precious metals formerly found in wealthy homes in France. The craftsmen of Nancy transposed the designs of popular artists such as Jean Le Pautre and Jean Bérain and carved the entire surface of these objects in low relief. Early examples would often be found with armorials and ciphers centered on the lids of boxes surrounded by scrolling foliage, grotesque ornament, birds and flowers. The armorials on the boxes sold here belong in this early group, and are some of the finest examples of these wares. For related boxes see a pair originally in the collection of Olive, Lady Baillie, Leeds Castle, Kent, subsequently sold from the British Rail Pension Fund at Sotheby's London, on 4th July 1976, lot 77. As well as a pair sold at Sotheby's London, The Giuseppe Rossi Collection, 11 March 1999, lot 619.