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The eighteenth century in France was an extraordinary period for the European decorative arts. It was characterized by an intense craft activity. There were many orders from the aristocracy and other grand families for interior and exterior ornaments: fireplaces, buffets, oven grates, marble basins, garden vases, braziers, chimney pieces, gilded bronze chandeliers, etc. Gifts of porcelain and objets d'art were presented by the court of France to foreign courts. The eighteenth century teemed with ideas, but it above all entailed promotion of objects.
Of the numerous cabinet-makers from the Migeon family, Pierre II stands out as the official supplier to Madame de Pompadour; he produced her wonderful Vergennes desk, in which the fine balance between marquetry motifs and bronze decoration conveys a delicate yet impressive elegance. It is a representative example of high French tradition.
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