La Fabrique Du Luxe : Les Marchands-Merciers Parisiens Au Xviiie Siècle

Exhibition at the Musée Cognacq-Jay, Paris, 28 September 2018 - 27 January 2019

During the 18th century, the marchands-merciers were one of the most important Parisian guilds. Simultaneously trader, importer, collector, designer and decorator, this atypical merchant worked locally, regionally and internationally with craftsmen and artists.

At the heart of a three-pole system - client (often from the aristocracy), craftsman and market -, the marchand-mercier developed various mechanisms of advertising to make himself known and increase his network.

Featuring several essays and based on works (paintings, objects and furniture), advertising documents and archives, this exhibition catalogue tells the story of this guild.