Boulle

Add this search to my Auction Advisor™ Alerts

André-Charles Boulle (1642-1732) was the French cabinetmaker considered to be the preeminent artist in the field of marquetry, or the inlay work of elaborate designs applied by way of veneers onto furniture. Boulle was described by Colbert as “le plus habile èbèniste de Paris” and perfected methods of interchanging voids and solids of elaborate brass inlays with tortoise shell and other materials, including mother of pearl and exotic woods.

Boulle was not the inventor of the art of marquetry, but certainly developed it with such astonishing skills, to such an extent that "Boulle work" became the term adopted by British auctioneers for all elaborately wrought marquetry furniture.

Boulle was followed by four sons who continued his traditions. Boulle work was imitated throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth century not only in France but also in England and the U.S. Boulle work is a form of marquetry or inlay work with veneer – usually exotic or figured woods. It is produced by overlaying two or more sheets of veneer of contrasting colors and cutting with a fine bladed bow or fret saw through all of the sheets at the same time. This then makes patterns of interlocking designs that can be glued to the body of the furniture for ornament. Boulle work is generally recognized for its substitution of sheets of metal and other materials such as tortoise shell in place of sheets of wood.

Forgot your username or password?

Boulle

Boulle at auction now (viewing 6 of 67)

Boulle previously sold at auction (viewing 6 of 248)

Auction Houses with upcoming Boulle auctions (viewing 4 of 27)

Auction Houses that have sold Boulle previously (viewing 4 of 116)

Collections related to Boulle (viewing 4 of 117)