Boulle marquetry chest of drawers, late 19th century, attributed to Mellier

Of curved form, decorated in Boulle marquetry, veneered in tortoiseshell and inlaid with brass, depicting various scenes under canopies within borders of scrolls, foliate tendrils, garlands of flowers, winged putti on stylized dolphins, and acrobats holding torches.

At the center of the top, on an entablature, is the goddess Athena; within frames. It opens with two scalloped doors, a scalloped apron, and undulating uprights terminating in cabriole legs.

The decoration is very rich in chased and gilded bronze, including: mounts with Indian heads in espagnolettes, an astragal, frames, an apron with a Boreas mask, and foliate hooves.

Regency Style –

In the namer of C. Mellier & Co.

Born in France, Charles Mellier settled in England, worked with the Monbro family, and took over their business around 1870. Registered as an upholsterer at 2 Fifth Street in Soho, his business was established at 48, 49, and 50 Cavendish Square and offered antique furniture. He participated in the Great Exhibition of 1878 and won a Silver Medal in Class 17. He was cited in The Furniture Gazette on September 5, 7, and 21, 1878, and again on April 24, 1880, as one of the finest Franco-English cabinetmakers. In 1891 and 1902, Charles Mellier & Co. is listed as Upholsterer, Cabinetmaker, Decorator, and Art Dealer, located at Margaret Street and 57 Wells Street, London 1. A Boulle marquetry commode, “partially” stamped
C. Mellier & Co., of an identical model, was for sale in London in 2019.


dimensions: height: 86 cm depth: 360cm width: 150 cm