English

Boiserie from the Hôtel de Cabris, Grasse

ca. 1774, with later additions
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 527
Commissioned for the new residence of Jean-Paul de Clapiers, marquis de Cabris, in Grasse, this paneling made in Paris is a pure expression of the Neoclassical style. Originally the room had five sets of double doors and an equal number of mirrors, achieving a beautiful harmony by the alternation of the carved and gilded panels with the reflective glass surfaces. The rounded corners display trophies of musical instruments suspended from bow-tied ribbons. Smoking incense burners on tripod stands, a motif derived from classical antiquity, embellish the upper door panels. The combination of dulled and burnished gilding creates a particularly lively effect.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Boiserie from the Hôtel de Cabris, Grasse
  • Date: ca. 1774, with later additions
  • Culture: French, Paris
  • Medium: Carved, painted, and gilded oak
  • Dimensions: Overall: H. 11 ft. 8-1/2 in. x W. 22 ft. 10-1/2 in. x L. 25 ft. 6 in. (3.56 x 6.96 x 7.77 m);
    or H. 140-1/2 x W. 274-1/2 x D. 306 in. (356.9 x 697.2 x 777.2 cm)
  • Classification: Woodwork
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wrightsman Gift, 1972
  • Object Number: 1972.276.1
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Audio

Cover Image for 2265. Boiserie from the Hôtel de Cabris, Grasse

2265. Boiserie from the Hôtel de Cabris, Grasse

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NARRATOR: The magnificent painted and gilded paneling in this room was created in Paris. But it was originally used in a small reception room of a grand home in southern France that later became a museum. A variety of carved musical instruments adorn the rounded corners of the room. And carved on the door panels are smoking incense burners inspired by objects from the Classical world. The gilded firescreen is also in the Neoclassical style.Its uprights are shaped like burning torches. At this time, a renewed interest in antiquity was sparked, in part, by the recent discovery of the ancient cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii. The firescreen is among a number of pieces in this room with a royal provenance. It was made for Marie Antoinette for her boudoir at the royal castle of Fontainebleau. Louis XVI loved to go there because he could hunt in the large forests surrounding the castle. Curator Daniëlle Kisluk-Grosheide.

DANIËLLE KISLUK-GROSHEIDE: Marie-Antoinette herself was not particularly interested in hunting, and in a way, I think, to make up for spending time at Fontainebleau, the King allowed her to redo some of the rooms at Fontainebleau.. . . And this particular fire screen was part of the furniture that was supplied for the room by Georges Jacob.

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