Floral Marquetry Box Attributed To Latz

Rectangular box in end-grain marquetry on a frieze background, attributed to Latz.
With sycamore floral decorations (and tinted) on a satin background, this box is inlaid on four sides and framed with amaranth fillets and rosewood corner.


The sides are inlaid in their center with a sprout of flowers dividing on either side, like a mirror, to form an almost symmetrical decoration. Although the number of flowers and foliage is identical on both edges, it still has stylistic differences.
The facade, in turn decorated with a single sprout, emerging from a cornucopia and dividing into several stems, also features four dancing flowers at the end of its interlacing of harmoniously curved stems.
Unlike a majority of period boxes, this one does not contain any bronze. Even the central lock is simply figured in marquetry in the color of the petals.

The top offers to contemplate, for its part, a similar floral marquetry but enhanced with an animal theme. A bird is in fact depicted in the upper part, positioned on the stem, as it would be on a tree branch. Opposite, in the lower part is a grain flower, pomegranate style, on a bed of foliage. This representation is very symbolic of Latz’s production.


From the shape of the angles, we can notice that the veneer is undoubtedly raised by a few millimeters in a deliberate manner, thus forming areas of well-defined marquetry.

Very decorative, this box testifies to the excellence and refined taste of Louis XV.
The visual balance it presents can perhaps be compared to the beautiful work of Jean-Pierre Latz.


Dimensions: H 19 cm x L 38 cm x D 28 cm