Lacquered And Gilded Ear Sofa

Sofa with ear in lacquered and gilded beech. The sofa is carved with flowers surrounded by foliage, and is molded on the whole of its eventful structure. It rests on eight curved legs. Attributed to the Lyon carpenter Nogaret (1718-1771) Louis XV period Usual restorations, old but later lacquer, modern trim H. 107 x W. 178 x D. 68 cm The sofa in our study is a very elegant work of carpentry. It is quite probable that it is the work of Pierre Nogaret, despite a stamp not found. The latter is one of the most famous provincial craftsmen in France, it was quite prestigious to have a seat with the brand "Nogaret in Lyon". Already in his time, his notoriety exceeded his region. However, before settling in this southern city, the carpenter was born in Paris and did his apprenticeship there. He moved to Lyon in 1743 and obtained his master's degree in 1745. He thus had an important Parisian influence in his work, but also Italian and more precisely from northern Italy. It produces many armchairs, chairs, daybeds, sofas, screens, mostly in Louis XV style. Typical elements of his production can facilitate recognition of his works and allow attribution. The "silhouette" is eventful, the feet are robust, the curve more accentuated than with other carpenters, it is often a floral decoration. The quality of the wood and the movement are also key elements of his work. In addition, Nogaret never had more complex sculptures on the upper cross member of the backrest than that on the belt, an equal composition was required. In addition, the shape of the hoof of the front legs of our sofa is very common for seats in Lyon under the reign of Louis XV. A sofa similar to ours and stamped Nogaret is kept at the castle of Espeyran. Sources: Deloche (Bernard), Mornand (Jean-Yves), Nogaret and the Lyon headquarters, Jacques André Editor Kjellberg (Pierre), French furniture from the 18th century, Les éditions de l'homateur