Exceptional Antique French Louis XVI Transitional Period Flame Mahogany & Sainte Anne Marble Chest By Cabinet Maker To The King “Fidelys Schey”Circa 1750

The Parisian cabinetmaker Fidelis (also spelled Fidely) Schey, was originally from the town of Winterspieren, in the margraviate of Baden. He obtained the title of deputy of his corporation very early on before becoming one of the suppliers to the Crown; thus rising to the rank of the best craftsmen of his time. Established on Grande rue du faubourg Saint-Antoine, his luxurious and fanciful furniture was exhibited near his workshop, run by his wife. After his death in 1788, the inventory of his goods – drawn up by his colleague Martin Ohneberg – mentions a number of chests of drawers decorated with gilded bronze in a crude style but always of fine workmanship. According to "Les ébénistes du XVIIIe siècle de François de Salverte" SCHEY (Fidelis or Fidely), commonly known by his first name alone, which he wrote Fidellij, became a master in Paris on 5 February 1777 and in 1783 became a deputy or councillor of his corporation. His workshop successfully produced luxury and fancy furniture, such as pedestal tables with runners used as a toilet, chiffonniers, cylinder bedside tables, and secretaries topped with a bookcase. In 1786, he made several gaming tables for the Crown for the Château de Fontainebleau. This craftsman, who signed F. SCHEY, left behind many works, carefully crafted, most are in mahogany, such as this piece reproduced in the catalogue of the Louise Balthy sale. The Chaalis museum contains a secretaire, with veneer panels framed with Greek frets. Other examples of his work belong to the Count of Kervéguen.