2025, an eagerly awaited auction took place at 10 Place de la Halle, in the historic town of Beaune, located in France’s Burgundy region. Among the numerous exquisite items presented, a bureau plat, or flat writing desk, attributed to the renowned 18th-century French cabinetmaker Bernard I Van Riesen Burgh, commanded particular attention and was sold for the remarkable sum of 26,000 euros. This exceptional piece of furniture not only epitomizes the pinnacle of craftsmanship of the Regency period but also embodies the rich cultural and artistic spirit of the Enlightenment Era in France. Alongside this desk, a gracefully designed commode by Ellaume was also offered, showcasing the refined elegance that characterized French furniture design during this dazzling epoch.
The 18th century in France is often called the “Siècle des Lumières,” or the Enlightenment Century, reflecting an era of remarkable intellectual, cultural, and artistic flourishing. It was a time when philosophy, science, literature, and the arts reached new heights, transforming European society and setting enduring standards for aesthetics and craftsmanship. Furniture during this period transcended its functional role, becoming a critical symbol of social status and personal taste, particularly among the aristocracy and upper classes. Paris, the capital, was the epicenter of this creative explosion, where furniture makers combined innovative techniques with evolving stylistic trends to meet the demands of their sophisticated clientele.
Bernard I Van Riesen Burgh, who lived approximately between 1638 and 1738, was one of the most distinguished cabinetmakers of the Regency period—an era bridging the death of Louis XIV and the early reign of Louis XV. His workshop was celebrated for mastering the elaborate Boulle marquetry technique, named after André-Charles Boulle, the legendary craftsman who perfected this method in the late 17th century. Boulle marquetry involves the intricate inlay of brass and tortoiseshell to create striking, ornamental patterns that play with contrast and texture. This technique requires immense precision and patience, as artisans embed thin brass wires into a dark tortoiseshell background, producing dazzling, three-dimensional effects that catch the eye and highlight the cabinetmaker’s virtuosity.
The bureau plat auctioned in Beaune measures 77 by 99.5 by 46 centimeters—a typical size for a flat writing desk of the time. Its design exemplifies perfect proportional harmony, balancing utility and elegance. The brass-and-tortoiseshell marquetry on its surface presents an intricate interplay of light and shadow, revealing the meticulous craftsmanship behind each decorative detail. Such an object reflects not only technical mastery but also Van Riesen Burgh’s acute sensitivity to aesthetics, making it a highly sought-after collector’s item. The desk was previously featured in the prestigious art journal Gazette n° 26 on page 91, where it was lauded for its flawless proportions and considered a benchmark of Regency furniture design.
Complementing this masterpiece was a commode crafted by Ellaume, another eminent Parisian cabinetmaker of the same era. Ellaume’s furniture was renowned for its Rococo style—an artistic movement characterized by graceful curves, natural motifs, and a lightness of form. His five-drawer commodes typically used fine cherry or satinwood, adorned with delicate floral carvings and gilt-bronze hardware. These pieces exemplified a harmony between ornamentation and functionality, combining sumptuous decoration with practical storage. The interplay between Ellaume’s softly sculpted forms and Van Riesen Burgh’s bold marquetry showcased the stylistic evolution of 18th-century French furniture, ranging from the stately Regency to the playful Rococo.
Adding further depth to the auction was the presence of two exquisite paintings by the Rococo painters Liberi and Lancret. Liberi, an Italian artist who transitioned from the Baroque into the Rococo style, was celebrated for his vibrant portraits and mythological scenes. His works feature rich colors and dramatic compositions that capture the imagination. Lancret, a French painter and a prominent figure of the Rococo movement, specialized in depicting the leisurely lives of the aristocracy with a light palette and fluid brushwork, conveying the elegance and joie de vivre of the period. The inclusion of these artworks alongside the furniture created an immersive experience, transporting viewers to an 18th-century French aristocratic salon where art, design, and culture seamlessly intertwined.
Van Riesen Burgh’s bureau plat holds a distinguished place in the history of French furniture. Its design marries the grandeur of the late 17th century with the emerging tastes of the early 18th century, embodying the refined aesthetics and technical advancements of the Regency period. The Boulle marquetry adorning the desk stands as a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship that defined this golden age of furniture making. This technique, pioneered by André-Charles Boulle, involves embedding thin brass sheets into tortoiseshell, creating luxurious and visually captivating surfaces. Given the rarity and delicate nature of these materials, surviving examples of such craftsmanship are scarce, rendering them especially valuable to collectors and historians alike.
Beyond its technical and aesthetic appeal, the bureau plat is a cultural artifact that encapsulates the social dynamics and artistic sensibilities of the Enlightenment Era. Furniture of this kind was commissioned by the aristocracy not only to furnish their residences but to assert their social position and refined taste. The delicate balance between function and decoration found in Van Riesen Burgh’s work reflects the broader Enlightenment ideals of reason, harmony, and beauty. Meanwhile, Ellaume’s commode highlights the shift toward the Rococo’s playful elegance, mirroring changes in lifestyle and fashion during Louis XV’s reign.
The contemporary art market has witnessed a resurgence of interest in 18th-century French furniture, particularly pieces featuring Boulle marquetry, due to their rarity, beauty, and historical significance. The hammer price of 26,000 euros at Beaune underscores the demand for such high-caliber antique furnishings. This trend is fueled not only by traditional collectors but also by designers and investors who recognize these objects as both cultural treasures and valuable assets. Moreover, the current revival of vintage and bespoke furniture has inspired a renewed appreciation for traditional craftsmanship and design principles.
The condition and provenance of antique furniture significantly influence its market value. The bureau plat in question has been preserved remarkably well, maintaining structural integrity and the vibrancy of its brass and tortoiseshell inlays. The survival of original components and the absence of major restorations add to its desirability. Furthermore, well-documented provenance—the chain of ownership and historical records—provides authentication and context, boosting collector confidence and market appeal. Thus, buyers acquire not just a piece of furniture but a tangible link to the cultural history of 18th-century France.
From a modern design perspective, Van Riesen Burgh and Ellaume’s creations continue to inspire furniture makers worldwide. Their emphasis on proportion, detail, and the fusion of form and function resonates with contemporary designers who seek to blend classical elegance with modern innovation. Some luxury brands have even developed limited-edition collections or bespoke commissions that pay homage to Boulle marquetry and Rococo aesthetics, using contemporary materials and techniques to reinterpret these historical masterpieces. Such initiatives foster continuity between past and present, honoring the heritage while advancing the craft.
Auctions like the one in Beaune also serve educational and cultural purposes. Auction houses often organize exhibitions, lectures, and catalogues that delve into the history and craftsmanship of the items on sale, engaging the public and nurturing appreciation for heritage arts. This helps sustain interest among younger generations and supports the preservation of artisanal skills that might otherwise fade into obscurity.
The choice of Beaune as the auction location is significant. This city, nestled in the heart of Burgundy, is famous not only for its prestigious vineyards but also for its vibrant art market and historical significance. Beaune has become a crucial hub for antiques and art trading in Europe, attracting collectors from across the continent and beyond. Its rich cultural environment provides an ideal backdrop for events that celebrate the intersection of history, art, and commerce.
The success of this auction reflects broader trends in the European art market, where collectors increasingly value objects that combine historical authenticity, artistic merit, and storytelling. Pieces like Van Riesen Burgh’s bureau plat and Ellaume’s commode offer multiple layers of appreciation—from their material beauty and technical brilliance to their embodiment of Enlightenment ideals and social history. These factors together make such items both treasured collectibles and meaningful cultural artifacts.
Ultimately, the bureau plat by Van Riesen Burgh and the commode by Ellaume do more than decorate a room; they capture the essence of an extraordinary epoch. They stand as witnesses to a time when art and craftsmanship reached sublime heights and where furniture was an expression of intellect, power, and refined living. For collectors, historians, and enthusiasts alike, these pieces represent a bridge between centuries, connecting the splendor of the past with the creative spirit of the present.
Looking ahead, as awareness of heritage preservation grows and artisanal crafts find renewed support, masterpieces like these will continue to be celebrated, studied, and cherished. They remind us that beauty and skill transcend time and that cultural legacies, when preserved, can inspire endless creativity.
Should you wish to explore further, I would be delighted to discuss the technical intricacies of Boulle marquetry, the social and functional roles of 18th-century French furniture across different classes, or the investment dynamics of antique furniture in today’s global market.
