Firstly, have a look at this:
€253,977
“… The commode having three drawers, the first set in the frieze, mounted with panels of ormolu interlace and rosettes above the remaining two drawers. These doors are inlaid with flower heads and interlacing within a geometrical pattern and set within well-chiselled ormolu frames; an oval medallion containing a marquetry basket of flowers straddles across both drawers.
Stamped twice on the top left, and top right, R.Lacroix and JME.”
Source: Highly Important Louis XVI Marquetry Commode by RVLC For Sale at 1stdibs
Sheer magnificence. I’d love to find something that wonderful, then pay next to nothing for it, then sell it for a fortune 🙂 Meanwhile, I have found a rather lovely Louis XVI dresser that looks very much like the work of Haentges Frères in the late 19th century.
Haentges Fr. Paris, circa 1890
There was something almost art-deco about the way they laid veneer patterns. Here’s the one I found recently (along with a very cute Louis XVth sewing table):
In other news, we’re in countdown mode for Summer Girls. Mike has been all out tiling and painting and all sorts to finish up Summer Girl number II’s new bathroom. As I type the sink is being prepared for installation. We really wanted it done as she’s had a broken arm, so a holiday with a bit of comfort will probably do her some good. I think they’ll have quite a surprise this year. Number 42’s rough edges are almost all gone.
This year we’re celebrating our 10th summer together (Summer Girls + us), also the “completion” of number 42 – which means our French project has, for all intents and purposes, panned out. So now we have to enjoy it.
Ah, the real test! Can you look at your domicile and not think “You know if we just …” Acceptance is the foundation of peace. And if all I had to do was accept what you have wrought, boy, would I take that in a hot minute!
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The hard part is there’s always a steady stream of artwork/furniture coming through the house for work, so it’s virtually impossible not to “try things out” 😁
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Finished? Nothing is ever finished. What about the greenhouse? I want photos.
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Structurally finished! Adjustments on the other hand will probably take a lifetime!
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In use?
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Adjustments in general. Curtains fade, dogs chew things, a new piece of artwork comes along 😀
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You French and your fixation on dead king furniture. Looey Looie! Oh, baby, sayin’ we gotta go now.
Are their artisans making such things today? I’d be inclined to celebrate their achievements (with donations to their endeavors).
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Yes, in fact there are some exceptional artisans still making extraordinary things. Have a look at this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZLGj4V_yBs
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Enjoy your visitors!
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Thank you! 🙂
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