Philippe-Claude MONTIGNY (1734–1800), admitted as a master c - Lot 504

Philippe-Claude MONTIGNY (1734–1800), admitted as a master craftsman in Paris in 1766 Sloping-top desk in blackened wood, with ebony veneer and chiseled brass marquetry featuring a rich decorative scheme known as “à la Bérain,” depicting foliage, grotesques, dancers, and fantastical animals. The front opens with a slightly curved flap framed by a mold, revealing a compartment with six drawers, niches, and a secret compartment. The writing tablet is covered in brown leather with gold-embossed decoration featuring a small-scale frieze. Beautiful gilded and chiseled bronze ornamentation, including clogs, lock plates, and finials. Stamped “MONTIGNY” on a rear stanchion. Louis XV period. Height: 96 cm Width: 96 cm Depth: 45.5 cm Normal signs of wear. Bibliography: - French Furniture of the 18th Century. Dictionary of Cabinetmakers and Carpenters. Pierre KJELLBERG. Edition de l’amateur, 1998, pp. 587–592. - Les ébénistes français de Louis XIV à la révolution. Alexandre Pradère. Edition Chêne, 1989. pp. 307–308. Note: Philippe-Claude Montigny was one of the leading practitioners of Boulle-style marquetry during the reigns of Louis XV and Louis XVI. He adopted Boulle’s techniques and compositions while adapting them to the forms and ornamental vocabulary of his own era. His reputation is closely tied to this specialty. In particular, he was involved in the restoration of Boulle furniture from the royal collections, including Louis XIV’s medal cabinets.