Jean-Jacques Pafrat

Jean-Jacques Pafrat was one of the most important Parisian cabinetmakers of the latter part of the reign of Louis XVI. In September 1785, after becoming a master, he opened a workshop in the rue de Charonne. Pafrat’s career, which had a very promising beginning, was cut short by the French Revolution. This explains his limited output, despite the fact that his pieces are always of very high quality. His stamp may be found next to that of Martin Carlin on certain pieces of furniture, which has led some commentators to suggest the two cabinetmakers were in partnership. Nevertheless, the time frame does not support this hypothesis: Pafrat became a master the year that Carlin died. This makes it more likely that Pafrat may have finished certain pieces after the death of Carlin, probably after having purchased a portion of his stock.