Circa 1715, this presentation armoire is a fine example of the pure Lyonnaise style. This “urban” example of lyonnaise 18th century furniture is distinguished from pieces made in the environs of the city which would be smaller, less refined, and influenced by the styles of neighboring regions.

Lyon is well renowned for its furniture production during the 18th century, and its style is among the most celebrated and successful provincial styles which would include provençal, normand, and bordelais.

The somewhat rigid structure of this piece is still attuned to the seventeenth century, as is the flat lower cornice which rests on bun feet. The form, however, is softened by early 18th century rococo curves and the bowed “policeman’s hat” cornice. If you see a policeman today wearing a hat in the form of this cornice, however, he is probably not a policeman. The walnut, pronounced moldings, the floral decor between the panels of the doors, the “doubled” hinges, and the original locking mechanisms are all characteristic of lyonnais production.

The most striking aspect of this armoire is the large sculpted motif above the doors; a sort of blank, bombé herald which is enclosed here by a rococo shell, called a “miroir” in French. This type of ornament is typical of the Renaissance, a time period during which Lyon was a great city, as important as Paris. One encounters Lyonnaise Renaissance period buffets with pediments that feature this prominent sculpted “mirror.”

Many thanks to the administrator of the French reference site, Meubliz.com, for his expertise and commentary on this artifact.

Myers & Monroe, LLC