Low cabinet (meuble à hauteur d'appui) (one of a pair) 1785 - 1799

André Charles Boulle crafted this low cabinet, or “meuble à hauteur d’appui”, from ebony, marble, gilt bronze, and pewter, though its precise date remains unknown. Boulle was *the* cabinetmaker for Louis XIV, and his work embodies the opulent style that reinforced the Sun King’s image of absolute authority. The lavish use of expensive materials like ebony and bronze, along with intricate marquetry, speaks to the vast resources commanded by the French monarchy. The cabinet’s design, with its classical motifs and balanced proportions, reflects the era’s embrace of reason and order. It served not just as furniture but as a statement of power, intended to impress courtiers and foreign dignitaries alike. Understanding this piece requires looking into the history of the French court, the economics of luxury goods, and the politics of royal patronage. Art history isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about uncovering the social and institutional contexts that give objects like this their full meaning.