Style Napoleon III / Ref.9353

Baroque architecture marquetry masterpiece by Antoine Budker

Marquetry masterpiece of the 19th century The artist’s creativity led him to create this Baroque masterpiece.
Set on a terrace with three sets of front steps, the building rises up two storeys. Alternating double columns and windows create a rhythm across the facade. The sides are topped with small cupolas, and at the center a round drum supporting a large dome with œil-de-bœufs skylights points up to the sky. The different walls and window surrounds are decorated with Neo-classical ornaments that are similar to the decorative alphabet used by the cabinet-makers of the 19th century: vase-shaped balusters, laurel leaves, pearl garlands and horns of abundance. The roofs reveal the cabinet maker’s craftsmanship: the cupolas are covered with a sumptuous geometrical marquetry.
At the center of the model is a clock. The roof opens to reveal a complete clock mechanism with a gong for a chime.
This rich decoration is enhanced by the quality of the materials used. Ivory, both carved and inlaid, covers the model. The artist also used a large variety of precious woods: exotic woods like ebony, mahogany or Wengé wood and also rose wood, walnut and European woods. This is not a simple copy of an existing building, but an original Baroque building – either a church, or a government building – letting his decorative fancy freely flow. However Budker makes clear references to notable Baroque constructions such as the Invalides in Paris or Christopher Wren’s Saint Paul cathedral in London

This baroque architectural model, made by Antoine BUDKER, from Mâcon, received awards at the World’s Fair of 1855. We retain the medal the artist received for the body of work he presented.
He presented his artwork in the 25th category, « Confection des articles de vêtements; fabrication des objets de mode et de fantaisie » (Elements for fashion industry, Fashion objects and costume jewellery), in the 12th section, « Marquetry ». The “Catalogue officiel” of the Fair gave the following description: “Mosaic clocks shaped like monuments, built in ivory and exotic woods of different colors; one made of approximately 30 000 pieces, the other 10 000.
Antoine Budker’s work received a 2nd class medal in the 25th category, because of « remarkable marquetry work ». Every category had its own jury of specialists and most of the time exhibitors were rewarded only in their category. It is therefore a pleasant surprise that Antoine Budker’s work was also distinguished in the 26th category, « Dessin et plastique appliqués à l'industrie; imprimerie en caractères et en taille-douce, photographie, gravure, etc. » (Drawing and Design applied to the Industry; letterpress printing and etching, photography, engraving, etc.), in the section “Sculpture and modelling”, again with a 2nd class medal. The jury noted an « admirable execution». Both of these rewards are represented by the medal, shown here with this masterpiece.
This second remark in the section “Sculpture and modelling” shows the extreme originality of Antoine Budker’s work. Indeed, most of the objects presented in the marquetry section are small everyday useful objects in elegant form: wallets, snuff boxes, sweet boxes, combs among others. Although useful as clocks, his works are primarily extraordinary expressions of creativity and craftsmanship. This is what the jury rewarded in 1855.