Box (part of a set)
Circular box, its lid densely carved in low relief with a strutting peacock surrounded by acanthus scrolls and flowers, while the actual box has incised floral decoration. This type of carving is typical for a group of pieces made in Nancy, in eastern France. The very fine-grained cherry wood, known as “bois de Sainte Lucie,” grew in a nearby forest. Named for the patron saint of the Lorraine region, this type of fruitwood was appreciated for its reddish-brown color and its pleasant smell reminiscent of cinnamon. Furthermore, it lent itself beautifully to carving often in intricate patterns resembling goldsmith work.
This box would have been part of a dressing-table set and would have held powder or other types of make-up. The use of “bois de Sainte Lucie” for dressing-table sets was stimulated by Louis XIV’s sumptuary edicts of 1689 and 1709, which caused much French silver to be melted down.
This box would have been part of a dressing-table set and would have held powder or other types of make-up. The use of “bois de Sainte Lucie” for dressing-table sets was stimulated by Louis XIV’s sumptuary edicts of 1689 and 1709, which caused much French silver to be melted down.
Artwork Details
- Title: Box (part of a set)
- Maker: Nicolas François Foulon (French, Nancy 1628–1698 Nancy)
- Date: late 17th–early 18th century
- Culture: French, Lorraine (Nancy)
- Medium: Fruitwood (bois de Sainte-Lucie)
- Dimensions: 2 1/4 × 4 11/16 in. (5.7 × 11.9 cm)
- Classification: Woodwork-Furniture
- Credit Line: Gift of Rosenberg and Stiebel Inc., 1963
- Object Number: 63.42.5a, b
- Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
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Nicolas François Foulon
late 17th–early 18th century
Nicolas François Foulon
late 17th–early 18th century
Multiple artists/makers
1769–71
Multiple artists/makers
1769–71
French, Lorraine, Nancy
late 17th century
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