Marquetry (Atrophy)

Marquetry is the art of creating inlay works by carving recesses and filling them with decorative material. Oftentimes, marquetry works are used to brighten up furniture. In a first step, material such as wood, shell, or ivory is inserted into a wood veneer until an artful pattern is created. In a second step, the artwork is applied to the surface of a piece of furniture.[1]

The art of marquetry became a trend in France in the late 16th century. When European economies were steadily developing in the 17th and 18th century, more and more people wanted to have luxury furniture in their homes which further increased the popularity of marquetry.[2] However, the art itself is very old as ancient objects were found that are decorated with marquetry. Those ancient artworks were produced by carving out a recess and filling it with different materials such as wood, stones, or even bones. Therefore, ancient artists already produced their own glue which was made from heated bones and skins.[3]

Sources:

[1] “Marquetry.” Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/marquetry. Accessed 8 Sept. 2019.

[2] Chauhan, Yamini et al. “Marquetry. Decorative Arts.” Encyclopaedia Britannica, 1 Mai 2013, www.britannica.com/art/marquetry. Accessed 8 Sept. 2019.

[3] “What is Marquetry? A Brief History.” The American Marquetry Society, 2018, www.americanmarquetrysociety.com/Marquetry.html. Accessed 8 Sept. 2019.

Image:

Pierre-Auguste Renoir: La Loge. 1874. https://1tq45j21k9qr27g1703pgsja-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/renoir-1280x640.jpg