Cabinet Doors & Fronts · Art Nouveau
Louis Majorelle Marquetry Cabinet (c. 1910)
A cabinet from about 1910 by Louis Majorelle of Nancy, France, with curving abstract wood marquetry on the doors and metal mounts.
Design characteristics
The Majorelle firm in Nancy was one of the great producers of Art Nouveau furniture. This cabinet shows the style's mature form: the case is gently curved, the metal mounts are shaped like plant stems, and the doors carry flowing, abstract marquetry made from contrasting veneers. Marquetry was central to the Nancy school, and it remains one of the most effective ways to bring Art Nouveau character to a modern piece: keep the case simple and let a sweeping inlaid pattern run across the doors.
Classification
- Style
- Art Nouveau
- Category
- Cabinet Doors & Fronts
- Material
- Mahogany
- Motifs
- Floral carving, Marquetry
- Date
- c. 1910
- Maker or designer
- Louis Majorelle (French, 1859–1926)
- Recorded medium
- wood marquetry with metal mounts
- Dimensions
- Overall: 130.8 x 162.5 x 58.4 cm (51 1/2 x 64 x 23 in.)
- Evidence
- Documented historical object
- Source
- Cleveland Museum of Art
Architectural context
Whiplash curves, botanical carving and woodwork that flows into the structure. Europe · c. 1890–1910.
