Early 18th Century French Bagard Casket Box With Provenance

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An extraordinary carved wooden casket by César Bagard, ca. 1700–1720, created in the Lorraine region of France and attributed to … Read more An extraordinary carved wooden casket by César Bagard, ca. 1700–1720, created in the Lorraine region of France and attributed to the famed sculptor of Louis XIV. Rich with historical significance and unmatched in craftsmanship, this piece is a rare example of the so called “Bois de Bagard” a term that once referred to a wide range of Lorrainese objects in sculpted dark wood, but which recent research confirms were born from the singular hand and workshop of Bagard himself.

This casket’s elegant architectural lines, relief decoration, and ornamental symbolism often including birds, foliage, and rocaille motifs, mark it as a true product of its time and of Bagard’s artistic vision. It carries provenance from Henry Ford II, further underscoring its cultural and collectible value.

Bagard’s works are held in collections such as the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. His sculptural woodwork was once reserved for the court of Lorraine and remains exceptionally rare today.

A museum-worthy masterpiece from the golden age of French decorative arts. See less