Pair of European Varnish corner scabinets tamped Foureau

Pair of corners in Martin Varnish or European Varnish in imitation of Chinese lacquer.

These original corners decorated with gold powder on a black background are decorated with idyllic landscapes with Far Eastern architecture, characters carrying water, busying themselves with their activities or indulging in games of Asian strategy in their traditional costumes.

The uprights and crosspieces are decorated with elegant scrollwork of foliage and flowers. The curved feet are garnished with small asymmetrical bronzes. This rare pair of corners, the prerogative of aristocratic families of the 18th century, is topped with Aleppo breccia marble. The leaves open, one from the right, the other from the left, to reveal an interior with two small shelves.

The two corners are stamped with “L. FOUREAU” and the Jurande hallmark. Louis Foureau worked for nearly thirty years in Faubourg Saint Denis, he was a master cabinetmaker in 1755. Foureau specialized in the manufacture of furniture with varnish decoration in the style of China, such as our pair of corner cabinets. The latter is particularly representative of Foureau's style and its high quality production because it is devoid of overload of bronzes in order to concentrate on the lacquer decoration, as we see in particular on the uprights as well as on the apron. We also note the simplicity and purity of lines particularly sought after by Foureau. His works are exhibited in several museums, including the Carnavalet Museum in Paris and Reims.

Transition period, 18th century. Two small hind hooves.