While removing a protective layer which had been added underneath the two encoignures, we found two estampilles, or maker's marks, which read : "B * MOLITOR". One of our readers, expert in antique furniture, had signalled us early on that those two encoignures could be an early work by the French cabinet maker Bernard Molitor. If those marks are genuine, it seems she could have been right!
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A look at Molitor's mark underneath the encoignures.
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| A better look at the masterpieces themselves. |
Those marks do look quite genuine and weathered (but of course it's difficult to judge from a picture even with such a good lighting).
ReplyDeleteMost experts would have authenticated those pieces by the thoroughness and accuracy of the crafmanship alone (as well as the quality of the materials used), and not rely on a mark who's the easiest thing to forge.
The maker's mark is just one more piece of the puzzle to identify a genuine "oeuvre d'art".
Quite an amazing fine, probably worth tens of thousands of dollars (possibly 25K to 30K USD for the set I would imagine), especially having them as a pair.
Quite remarkable indeed and so full of history!