Plinth
1700-1725
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
These plinths probably date from the early eighteenth century, and were made to support a pair of small-scale bronzes.
The opulent decoration is achieved using a form of marquetry named after its most famous proponent, André-Charles Boulle, cabinet-maker to Louis XIV of France. This technique involves the simultaneous cutting of layers of brass or pewter and layers of tortoiseshell to create both a dark motif with a light background and a light motif with a dark background, a little like a photograph and a negative. The contrast created by using metal and tortoiseshell is sometimes heightened by staining the shell or backing it with a coloured foil.
The opulent decoration is achieved using a form of marquetry named after its most famous proponent, André-Charles Boulle, cabinet-maker to Louis XIV of France. This technique involves the simultaneous cutting of layers of brass or pewter and layers of tortoiseshell to create both a dark motif with a light background and a light motif with a dark background, a little like a photograph and a negative. The contrast created by using metal and tortoiseshell is sometimes heightened by staining the shell or backing it with a coloured foil.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
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| Materials and techniques | Substrate of unidentified softwood painted black; veneered with turtleshell inlaid with engraved brass, and with ebonized wood; gilt brass mounts |
| Brief description | Pair of low rectangular plinths, French, 1700-1725 |
| Physical description | Pair of low rectangular plinths with coved sides veneered with boulle marquetry and fitted with elaborate corner mounts, each comprising a female mask with headdress, set within a lambrequin and rising from a pair of entwined, scaly mermaids' tails, and edged with foliage, scrolls and strap work. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions |
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| Credit line | Bequeathed by John Jones |
| Summary | These plinths probably date from the early eighteenth century, and were made to support a pair of small-scale bronzes. The opulent decoration is achieved using a form of marquetry named after its most famous proponent, André-Charles Boulle, cabinet-maker to Louis XIV of France. This technique involves the simultaneous cutting of layers of brass or pewter and layers of tortoiseshell to create both a dark motif with a light background and a light motif with a dark background, a little like a photograph and a negative. The contrast created by using metal and tortoiseshell is sometimes heightened by staining the shell or backing it with a coloured foil. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 1033&A-1882 |
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| Record created | January 3, 2007 |
| Record URL |
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