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Antique French Louis Revival Vernis Martin Display Cabinet C1880 19th C
Sold by Regent Antiques
sold SA916516
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
Regent Antiques

Regent Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Sep 2016
Browse dealers 649 items
  • About Us
    We specialise in english and continental furniture, silver, porcelain and decorative items.
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Id #SA916516
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Antique French Louis Revival Vernis Martin Display Cabinet C1880 19th C

19th century
Sold 18 February 2025 · Regent Antiques
This “Antique French Louis Revival Vernis Martin Display Cabinet C1880 19th C ” found a buyer.

It was listed by Regent Antiques. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

Description

A stunning antique French kingwood and Vernis Martin bowfront vitrine in the Louis XV manner, circa 1880 in date.

It has three quarter glazed bow panelled doors with exquisite hand painted decoration and exquisite ormolu mounts. There are four beautiful panels which have been hand painted and signed by Paoli, a top French 19th century artist, the two central panels with romantic courting couples and the outer two with country scenes.

This beautiful cabinet encloses two glass shelves, has a capacious cupboard in the bottom and the interior has been beautifully relined in lemon silk ready to display your collection.

This magnificent piece is in excellent condition and the quality and attention to detail throughout is second to none.

Add a touch of unparalleled style to your home.

Condition:

In excellent condition having been beautifully cleaned, polished, waxed and the interior relined in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.

Dimensions in cm:

Height 168 x Width 166 x Depth 41

Dimensions in inches:

Height 5 foot, 6 inches x Width 5 foot, 5 inches x Depth 1 foot, 4 inches

Vernis Martin

is a lustrous lacquer substitute widely used in the 18th century to decorate furniture and such personal articles as brisé fans, snuffboxes and clocks. The process of adding bronze or gold powder to green varnish was perfected by the French brothers Guillaume and Etienne-Simon Martin, hence its name “Vernis Martin”, as Vernis is French for varnish. It is said to have been made by heating oil, copal and amber and then adding Venetian turpentine and the Martin brothers perfected the process with inclusions in the varnish, sprinkling spangles of silver plated copper wire into the wet varnish ground. Highly praised by Voltaire, it was developed to imitate East Asian lacquerware which was being imported into France during the Louis XV period. Vernis Martin was made in several colours, green, black and a golden red being the most characteristic.

Kingwood

is a classic furniture wood, almost exclusively used for inlays on very fine furniture. Occasionally it is used in the solid for small items and turned work, including parts of billiard cues, e.g., those made by John Parris. It is brownish-purple with many fine darker stripes and occasional irregular swirls. Occasionally it contains pale streaks of a similar colour to sapwood.

The wood is very dense and hard and can be brought to a spectacular finish. it turns well but due to its density and hardness can be difficult to work with hand tools. It also has a tendency to blunt the tools due to its abrasive properties.

Our reference: A2690

Date of Manufacture

Regent Antiques has dated this French Vernis Martin Display Cabinet to the 19th Century.

Physical Dimensions
Height
168cm (66.14")
Width
166cm (65.35")
Depth
41cm (16.14")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA916516
Dealers Internal Reference
A2690
Description
A stunning antique French kingwood and Vernis Martin bowfront vitrine in the Louis XV manner, circa 1880 in date.
“
It has three quarter glazed bow panelled doors with exquisite hand painted decoration and exquisite ormolu mounts.
Regent Antiques

There are four beautiful panels which have been hand painted and signed by Paoli, a top French 19th century artist, the two central panels with romantic courting couples and the outer two with country scenes.

fig 1. An antique French Louis XV revival Vernis Martin display cabinet featuring curved glass panels, hand-painted pastoral scenes on the lower doors, and ornate gilt bronze ormolu mounts.
fig 1. Antique French Louis Revival Vernis Martin Display Cabinet C1880 19th C

This beautiful cabinet encloses two glass shelves, has a capacious cupboard in the bottom and the interior has been beautifully relined in lemon silk ready to display your collection.

This magnificent piece is in excellent condition and the quality and attention to detail throughout is second to none.

fig 2. An antique French Louis XV revival Vernis Martin display cabinet featuring curved glass panels, hand-painted pastoral scenes on the lower doors, and ornate gilt bronze ormolu mounts.
fig 2. Antique French Louis Revival Vernis Martin Display Cabinet C1880 19th C

Add a touch of unparalleled style to your home.

Condition:

In excellent condition having been beautifully cleaned, polished, waxed and the interior relined in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.

fig 3. An antique French Louis XV revival Vernis Martin display cabinet featuring curved glass panels, hand-painted pastoral scenes on the lower doors, and ornate gilt bronze ormolu mounts.
fig 3. Antique French Louis Revival Vernis Martin Display Cabinet C1880 19th C

Dimensions in cm:

Height 168 x Width 166 x Depth 41

Dimensions in inches:

Height 5 foot, 6 inches x Width 5 foot, 5 inches x Depth 1 foot, 4 inches

Vernis Martin

is a lustrous lacquer substitute widely used in the 18th century to decorate furniture and such personal articles as brisé fans, snuffboxes and clocks. The process of adding bronze or gold powder to green varnish was perfected by the French brothers Guillaume and Etienne-Simon Martin, hence its name “Vernis Martin”, as Vernis is French for varnish. It is said to have been made by heating oil, copal and amber and then adding Venetian turpentine and the Martin brothers perfected the process with inclusions in the varnish, sprinkling spangles of silver plated copper wire into the wet varnish ground. Highly praised by Voltaire, it was developed to imitate East Asian lacquerware which was being imported into France during the Louis XV period. Vernis Martin was made in several colours, green, black and a golden red being the most characteristic.

fig 4. An antique French Louis XV revival Vernis Martin display cabinet featuring curved glass panels, hand-painted pastoral scenes on the lower doors, and ornate gilt bronze ormolu mounts.
fig 4. Antique French Louis Revival Vernis Martin Display Cabinet C1880 19th C

Kingwood

is a classic furniture wood, almost exclusively used for inlays on very fine furniture. Occasionally it is used in the solid for small items and turned work, including parts of billiard cues, e.g., those made by John Parris. It is brownish-purple with many fine darker stripes and occasional irregular swirls. Occasionally it contains pale streaks of a similar colour to sapwood.

fig 5. An antique French Louis XV revival Vernis Martin display cabinet featuring curved glass panels, hand-painted pastoral scenes on the lower doors, and ornate gilt bronze ormolu mounts.
fig 5. Antique French Louis Revival Vernis Martin Display Cabinet C1880 19th C

The wood is very dense and hard and can be brought to a spectacular finish. it turns well but due to its density and hardness can be difficult to work with hand tools. It also has a tendency to blunt the tools due to its abrasive properties.

Our reference: A2690

Date of Manufacture

Regent Antiques has dated this French Vernis Martin Display Cabinet to the 19th Century.

Height
168cm (66.14")
Width
166cm (65.35")
Depth
41cm (16.14")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA916516
Dealers Internal Ref
A2690
Regent Antiques
Regent Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Sep 2016

We specialise in english and continental furniture, silver, porcelain and decorative items.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Regent Antiques Profile Page

Trade Associations

Regent Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA  CINOA

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SAVE
An antique French Louis XV revival Vernis Martin display cabinet featuring curved glass panels, hand-painted pastoral scenes on the lower doors, and ornate gilt bronze ormolu mounts. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
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Archive I An antique French Louis XV revival Vernis Martin display cabinet featuring curved glass panels, hand-painted pastoral scenes on the lower doors, and ornate gilt bronze ormolu mounts. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Antique French Louis Revival Vernis Martin Display Cabinet C1880 19th C

Archive II An antique French Louis XV revival Vernis Martin display cabinet featuring curved glass panels, hand-painted pastoral scenes on the lower doors, and ornate gilt bronze ormolu mounts. View II
Archive III An antique French Louis XV revival Vernis Martin display cabinet featuring curved glass panels, hand-painted pastoral scenes on the lower doors, and ornate gilt bronze ormolu mounts. View III
Archive IV An antique French Louis XV revival Vernis Martin display cabinet featuring curved glass panels, hand-painted pastoral scenes on the lower doors, and ornate gilt bronze ormolu mounts. View IV
Archive V An antique French Louis XV revival Vernis Martin display cabinet featuring curved glass panels, hand-painted pastoral scenes on the lower doors, and ornate gilt bronze ormolu mounts. View V
Archive VI An antique French Louis XV revival Vernis Martin display cabinet featuring curved glass panels, hand-painted pastoral scenes on the lower doors, and ornate gilt bronze ormolu mounts. View VI
Archive VII An antique French Louis XV revival Vernis Martin display cabinet featuring curved glass panels, hand-painted pastoral scenes on the lower doors, and ornate gilt bronze ormolu mounts. View VII
Archive VIII An antique French Louis XV revival Vernis Martin display cabinet featuring curved glass panels, hand-painted pastoral scenes on the lower doors, and ornate gilt bronze ormolu mounts. View VIII
Archive IX An antique French Louis XV revival Vernis Martin display cabinet featuring curved glass panels, hand-painted pastoral scenes on the lower doors, and ornate gilt bronze ormolu mounts. View IX
Archive X An antique French Louis XV revival Vernis Martin display cabinet featuring curved glass panels, hand-painted pastoral scenes on the lower doors, and ornate gilt bronze ormolu mounts. View X
Archive XI An antique French Louis XV revival Vernis Martin display cabinet featuring curved glass panels, hand-painted pastoral scenes on the lower doors, and ornate gilt bronze ormolu mounts. View XI
Archive XII An antique French Louis XV revival Vernis Martin display cabinet featuring curved glass panels, hand-painted pastoral scenes on the lower doors, and ornate gilt bronze ormolu mounts. View XII
Archive XIII An antique French Louis XV revival Vernis Martin display cabinet featuring curved glass panels, hand-painted pastoral scenes on the lower doors, and ornate gilt bronze ormolu mounts. View XIII
Archive XIV An antique French Louis XV revival Vernis Martin display cabinet featuring curved glass panels, hand-painted pastoral scenes on the lower doors, and ornate gilt bronze ormolu mounts. View XIV
Archive XV An antique French Louis XV revival Vernis Martin display cabinet featuring curved glass panels, hand-painted pastoral scenes on the lower doors, and ornate gilt bronze ormolu mounts. View XV
Archive XVI An antique French Louis XV revival Vernis Martin display cabinet featuring curved glass panels, hand-painted pastoral scenes on the lower doors, and ornate gilt bronze ormolu mounts. View XVI
Archive XVII An antique French Louis XV revival Vernis Martin display cabinet featuring curved glass panels, hand-painted pastoral scenes on the lower doors, and ornate gilt bronze ormolu mounts. View XVII
Archive XVIII An antique French Louis XV revival Vernis Martin display cabinet featuring curved glass panels, hand-painted pastoral scenes on the lower doors, and ornate gilt bronze ormolu mounts. View XVIII
Archive XIX An antique French Louis XV revival Vernis Martin display cabinet featuring curved glass panels, hand-painted pastoral scenes on the lower doors, and ornate gilt bronze ormolu mounts. View XIX
Archive XX An antique French Louis XV revival Vernis Martin display cabinet featuring curved glass panels, hand-painted pastoral scenes on the lower doors, and ornate gilt bronze ormolu mounts. View XX
Archive XXI An antique French Louis XV revival Vernis Martin display cabinet featuring curved glass panels, hand-painted pastoral scenes on the lower doors, and ornate gilt bronze ormolu mounts. View XXI
Archive XXII An antique French Louis XV revival Vernis Martin display cabinet featuring curved glass panels, hand-painted pastoral scenes on the lower doors, and ornate gilt bronze ormolu mounts. View XXII
Archive XXIII An antique French Louis XV revival Vernis Martin display cabinet featuring curved glass panels, hand-painted pastoral scenes on the lower doors, and ornate gilt bronze ormolu mounts. View XXIII
Archive XXIV An antique French Louis XV revival Vernis Martin display cabinet featuring curved glass panels, hand-painted pastoral scenes on the lower doors, and ornate gilt bronze ormolu mounts. View XXIV
Archive XXV An antique French Louis XV revival Vernis Martin display cabinet featuring curved glass panels, hand-painted pastoral scenes on the lower doors, and ornate gilt bronze ormolu mounts. View XXV
Archive XXVI An antique French Louis XV revival Vernis Martin display cabinet featuring curved glass panels, hand-painted pastoral scenes on the lower doors, and ornate gilt bronze ormolu mounts. View XXVI
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Location
Manor Warehouse
318 Green Lanes
London
N4 1BX
United Kingdom
Verified Since Sep 2016
Items For Sale 649
Items Sold 2,735
Regent Antiques
Regent Antiques
Verified Since Sep 2016
View Dealer Info
Location: Manor Warehouse, 318 Green Lanes, London, N4 1BX, United Kingdom
Verified
Sep 2016
For Sale
649
Sold
2,735
An antique French Louis XV revival Vernis Martin display cabinet featuring curved glass panels, hand-painted pastoral scenes on the lower doors, and ornate gilt bronze ormolu mounts.
Antique French Louis Revival Vernis Martin Display Cabinet c1880 19th C
Ref: SA916516
An antique French Louis XV revival Vernis Martin display cabinet featuring curved glass panels, hand-painted pastoral scenes on the lower doors, and ornate gilt bronze ormolu mounts.
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectDisplay Cabinets
  • Period19th century
  • StyleLouis XV Revival
  • MaterialMahogany, Ormolu, Glass, Lacquer
  • ColourWarm Brown
  • MotifsCurved glass panels, Ormolu mounts, Hand-painted pastoral panels, Cabriole legs
  • SizeH 168 cm (66 in) x W 166 cm (65 in) x D 41 cm (16 in)

The Vernis Martin technique originated in 18th-century France, developed by the Martin brothers as a synthetic lacquer finish designed to emulate expensive Asian lacquerware. Revival pieces produced during the 19th century drew inspiration from these original Rococo designs, incorporating pastoral painted panels.

These cabinets typically feature a carcase of hardwood such as oak or pine, veneered with exotic woods like mahogany or kingwood, and finished with glazed panels and hand-painted lacquer scenes. Cast ormolu (gilt bronze) mounts are traditionally applied to the structural edges and feet to accentuate the curved contours.

Authenticity is determined by examining the construction joinery, hand-cut dovetails in the drawers, the natural ageing and craquelure of the lacquer panels, and the quality of the hand-chased gilt bronze ormolu mounts rather than modern electroplated alternatives.

A piece of this scale serves as a focal point in a contemporary setting by pairing it with minimalist surrounding decor to let the intricate painted details and metallic mounts stand out without visual competition.

Maintain stable ambient room temperatures and humidity levels to prevent wood movement and lacquer cracking, avoiding chemical polishes in favour of dusting gently with a dry, soft microfibre cloth.
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