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Boiserie from the Hôtel de Varengeville

ca. 1736–52, with later additions

French, Pari

Superb carving, partly in high relief, constitutes the chief glory of this room's boiserie, or wood paneling, originally from one of the private residences of eighteenth-century Paris, the Hôtel de Varengeville, which still stands, albeit much altered, at 217, boulevard Saint-Germain. Although the painted and gilded oak paneling is richly embellished with C-scrolls, S-scrolls, sprigs of flowers, and rocaille motifs, its decoration is still largely symmetrical and thus does not represent the full-blown Rococo style. The trophies allude to concepts and qualities such as music, gardening, military fame, and princely glory, and the long-necked birds perched on the scrolling frames of the mirrors and wall panels reflect contemporary interest in the exotic.

Object Details

Date: ca. 1736–52, with later additions

Culture : French, Paris

Medium: Carved, painted, and gilded oak

Dimensions: H. 18 ft. 3-3/4 in. (5.58 m), W. 23 ft. 2-1/2 in. (7.07 m), L. 40 ft. 6-1/2 in. (12.36 m)

Classification: Woodwork

Credit Line: Purchase, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wrightsman Gift, 1963