A Louis XV parcel-gilt, "en grisaille" and polychrome-painted dressing case, attributed to Jean Gernay Spa, mid-18th Century

Bernard Steinitz, Paris

Spa, café de l'Europe, Spa, 1976

Monika Kopplin, European Lacquer, Münster, 2010, p. 170, ill. fig. 2
R. Paquay, 'Peintres, décorateurs, tabletiers, tourneurs et autres artisans de 1750 à la révolution', Histoire et Archéologie spadoises, 1976, pp. 22 and 23 state that a box by Jean-Gernay was acquired in Spa in 1804 by the Empress Joséphine Bonaparte (1763-1814), for the amount of 2,400 francs.

With scattered age and construction cracks; not extensive and mostly to underside. Top with tension cracks at back corners. Right side panel slightly loose. Minor losses and abrasions at corners and side. Scattered small losses to gesso; most to top and revealing some original under drawing in areas. Gilding with losses, rubbing and chips. Decoration with minor refreshed areas and discoloration; refreshing not extensive. Interior relined with silk (now torn and with losses in areas), interior of smaller containers probably repainted. Some mounts loose, losses to horse hair of brush. With thin layer of clear varnish. Mirror appears to be original, now with minor foxing. In good overall condition.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Decorated in Indian ink, with a Dutch skating scene representing winter and with gilt inscription l'Hyver. Each side decorated with "grisaille" rural scenes, the back depicting a Donjon and inscribed Le Chateau de Teniers. The hinged top fitted with mirror and opening to reveal a fitted interior with brush and nine boxes decorated with elegant scenes.

Each with gilt inscription:
- Les Oyes de Frere Philippe
- Le Calandrier des vieillards
- La Frutier
- Abbe Au Angedeyous
- Les plaisirs de la jeunesse
- L'hear du berger
- Le baise donné
- Le cuvier
- Le baiser rendu

Spa in Belgium is one of the oldest centers of the lacquer trade. It began there before 1600, probably as a result of the activities of local bourdoniers. That word stems from the Italian bordoni, the Venetian makers of staffs or staves for pilgrims. Long sticks of this kind became popular with the invalids who came to Spa to take the waters. It was customary in Spa to present a bourdon to dignitaries. Soon, other objects were lacquered and sold as souvenirs from Spa, for example brushes, bellows and caskets like the present one. In the 18th century Spa was christened 'Le cafe de l'Europe' and in the summertime the small Ardennes town thronged with kings, princes and nobility. The main source was named after Peter the Great, who visited in 1721.  Naturally, a trade in luxury goods flourished, including the "Boites de Spa" lacquered boxes painted with views of the town and surroundings.

Jean Gernay (1719-1791), who trained in Spa under his father Pierre before going to Paris, became the town's best-known artist after he returned there in 1756. His work was much in demand amongst guests taking the waters. Specializing in pen-and-ink copies of engravings, he developed such a consummate mastery of technique that he even surpassed the delicacy of the works he copied, primarily French reproductions of paintings with scène galante motifs and finely detailed monochromatic views, often on parchment mounted onto boxes.
Information kindly provided by Silvie de Spa and Chantal de Spot.