Pierre Gouthière (1732-1814) – born Bar-sur-Aube, was known as the best metal worker and gilder of his time and was unsurpassed by any of his rivals. He was the student of François Ceriset and took over his workshop in 1758. Under the protection of the duke d’Aumont, he produced works for King Louis XVI and Princess Marie Antoinette becoming the sole gilder for the “Menus-Plaisirs du Roi” as well as producing work for the duchess of Mazarin and Madame du Barry. He was the inventor of the matte gilding which became known as the beautiful satin and burnished finish noticed on high quality pieces and also trained the acclaimed master bronzier Pierre-Philippe Thomire in his studio. Unfortunately most of his work was lost or destroyed but some of his finest and most representative creations can still be admired in the Wallace Collection.