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Lot Essay
This casket is executed in so-called 'bois de Bagard' or 'bois de Sainte-Lucie', a reddish cherrywood with a fine grain which allows for very delicate carving. The name derives from César Bagard (1620-1704), Court Sculptor to duc Charles IV de Lorraine, at Nancy. Bagard has incorrectly been linked to the production of these wares, which were more likely produced by a family of Nancy sculptors by the name of Foulon. The Benedictine monk Dom Calmet refers to them in a document dated 1751: 'Many small objects are made out of bois de Sainte-Lucie in Lorraine which are exported abroad. And this occupies numerous workers. The Foulons were famed for this and produced many works for the Dauphin.' (see H. Demoriane, 'Bois de Bagard', Connaissance des Arts, January 1968, pp. 91).
In the late 17th century, new Royal edicts were implemented ordering the melting down of silver furniture and objects to finance Louis XIV's extensive military campaigns. As a result, other crafts flourished such as earthenware and woodcarving, which replaced the objects of silver and precious metals. Nancy craftsmen transposed the designs of Jean Le Pautre and Jean Bèrain, originally intended for silver, and carved the entire surface of these objects in low relief.
The de Villars family included a duc as well as a maréchal de France, where here it surely refers to a young de Villars lady, possibly either from Lyons or Bresse. However, there are too many branches of the family to be certain.
In the late 17th century, new Royal edicts were implemented ordering the melting down of silver furniture and objects to finance Louis XIV's extensive military campaigns. As a result, other crafts flourished such as earthenware and woodcarving, which replaced the objects of silver and precious metals. Nancy craftsmen transposed the designs of Jean Le Pautre and Jean Bèrain, originally intended for silver, and carved the entire surface of these objects in low relief.
The de Villars family included a duc as well as a maréchal de France, where here it surely refers to a young de Villars lady, possibly either from Lyons or Bresse. However, there are too many branches of the family to be certain.