Boulle

André-Charles Boulle (1642 – 1732) was the French cabinetmaker who became the preeminent exponent of marquetry in his day. His marquetry fame led his name being given to a particular type of inlaying known as Boulle (or Buhl in Britain) in the 19th century.

He started out as a painter but was employed at Versailles for many years where his marquetry furniture, mirrored walls, floors made of wood mosaic and inlaid panelling in the Cabinet du Dauphin rooms were regarded as his most outstanding work. These rooms have now been dismantled and his works dispersed, but his original drawings are in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris.

He gained numerous commissions from both French and foreign royalty as well as the elite of his day including aristocrats and wealthy financiers.