Post by Juan P Lluria

An Antiques Appraiser's Choice.... Currently offered in the inventory of the highly admired Versailles antiquaire, Galerie Pellat de Villedon... A Lit à la Polonais in grey-lacquered wood, molded and carved on all sides with floral and foliate motifs. It rests on four small cabriole legs and is surmounted by a canopy, the top of which is carved with inverted consoles and a plume of feathers. It is from the Louis XV/XVI Transition period,and stamped by Nicolas Heurtaut, There are restorations consistent with age and use; silk upholstery from the Prelle manufactory and trimmings by Declercq. Hailing from a family of Parisian chair makers, Nicolas Heurtaut was described by his contemporaries as a man full of vitality and ideas. He initially turned to sculpture, joining the Académie de Saint-Luc—the new name for his father's school—in 1742. He worked under this professional title until 1753 on Rue Neuve-de-Cléry, operating under the aegis of the era's greatest chair makers, such as Claude Sené and the brothers Nicolas and Jean-Baptiste Tilliard. Admitted as a master chair maker to the Guild of Joiners and Cabinetmakers in 1753, Heurtaut finally registered his credentials two years later, in 1755. He then set up shop on Rue de Bourbon-Villeneuve in his father-in-law's former workshop, trading under the sign "La Bonne Foi." He also owned a timber yard—a place he cherished—where he stored his stock of raw timber. Working as both a chair maker and a carver, he undertook commissions for merchants and upholsterers alike. He also fulfilled orders for a wealthy clientele, including the Duc de La Rochefoucauld and the Marquis de Villarceaux. Nicolas Heurtaut’s work is strongly influenced by his initial training as a sculptor. His style evolved during the 1760s in keeping with the taste of the times: lines and structures became lighter, the amount of carving was significantly reduced, and the profusion of shells and foliage gave way to roses and more restrained leaf motifs. Retail gallery price is 75,000 Euros. #antiquesappraiser #antiquesconsultant #antiquesadvisor #antiquesbroker #lestylelouisxvi #louisxvifurniture #ladouceurdevivre #lancienregime #louisxviperiod #litalapolonaise