The design is from a table by Jean-Henri Riesener and is located in the Petit Trianon at Versailles. The pattern was redrawn several times to obtain the dimensions of a queen-sized headboard. Once this was attained, the pattern was taken to a blue print company to make a single pattern. This was then glued onto the assembled background of Ferreol veneer. All the veneers are sawn veneers approximately 1.2 mm thick. The 5 x 3.5 ft project had to be cut into 11 sections to fit the chevalet. Each was then cut after stacking the appropriate veneers to correspond to what the pattern dictated. The pieces were carefully laid in separate trays and assembled when all sections were completed. Using hide glue the pieces were mounted on 3/4 inch lumber core board, flattened, sanded and French polished ending in satin with wax impregnated 0000 steel wool. The carving was designed by my wife, Ronelle, and me. The carved wood is European walnut and was carved masterfully by Aaron Radelow who is also a consummate marqueteur.
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Pattern from mid 1700s French from a table top to be made for Marie Antoinette. The pattern was enlarged, redrawn several times to create a pattern the size of a queen-sized bed. The veneers are exotic sawn veneers from Paris. There are over 5,000 pieces. The carved border was done by Aaron Radelow.
This close up is of the lower right hand corner to show the shaded to the tabac veneer (wreath). The background veneer (fond) is Ferreol.
All these veneers were cut by a chevalet in a "painting in wood" method where the individual woods are stacked over the pattern strategically in a packet and then cut with a 2/0 blade. Sometimes the layers of the packet can be as many as 9-10 stacked veneers.
This portion of the headboard is a stand where the women sit and the armillary sphere rest. The floral design is of multiple exotic sawn veneers and the laurel leaves is dyed sycamore. The reddish border is satine.
The armillary sphere is an astronomical sphere to show the stars and planets circling the earth initially then later the center was thought to be the sun. These veneers are boxwood, my lady, espenille and pear.
I have always wondered how ANYONE could not call this fine art. Not only does the artist need to understand color, texture etc, but must have the skills to put them together. To me this is much more fine art than some of the stuff I have seen at galleries. Great job
With its graceful curves, cabriole legs, and ornamental back splat, a Queen Anne side chair is a bucket list build for many woodworkers. Dan Faia had a very specific Queen…
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Stunning! Possibly the finest piece of work ever presented to this forum!
I have always wondered how ANYONE could not call this fine art. Not only does the artist need to understand color, texture etc, but must have the skills to put them together. To me this is much more fine art than some of the stuff I have seen at galleries. Great job
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