Philippe Caffieri (1634–1716)

Philippe Caffieri (1634–1716) was a prominent French sculptor and bronze caster during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. He belonged to a renowned family of artists, the Caffieri, who dominated the field of decorative arts in France for generations.

Caffieri was born in Paris and trained within the family workshop, inheriting and developing their expertise in bronze founding and chasing. He specialized in ornamental bronze work, particularly furniture mounts, clock cases, and other decorative elements intended to embellish royal residences and aristocratic homes.

He is particularly known for his collaborations with prominent cabinetmakers and designers of the period, producing elaborate bronze mounts for furniture created by André-Charles Boulle and others. These collaborations significantly contributed to the development of the Louis XIV style and the subsequent Régence style. His intricate designs and exceptional craftsmanship were highly sought after by the French court and elite clientele.

His work can be found in various museum collections, representing a significant contribution to the history of French decorative arts during the reign of Louis XIV and the early years of Louis XV. He is regarded as one of the leading figures in the production of luxury goods that defined the era.