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Jean-Henri Riesener

Furniture by one of the greatest cabinet-makers of the eighteenth century

JEAN-HENRI RIESENER (1734-1806)

Chest-of-drawers (commode),

1774

Oak and marquetry, gilt bronze, marble | 91.0 x 153.0 x 63.0 cm (whole object) | RCIN 21213

After ascending to the throne of France in 1774, Louis XVI commissioned Riesener to create this chest of drawers for the King’s Bedroom at Versailles. Despite making it in great haste, Riesener succeeded in delivering a piece of furniture with naturalistic marquetry trophies and floral vases, beautifully sculpted gilt-bronze mounts and a complex locking system which secured all five drawers with the turn of one key.

  • Creator(s)

    Jean-Henri Riesener (1734-1806) (cabinet maker)

    Acquirer(s)

    Joseph Fogg (1788–1830) (dealer)

    George Watson Taylor (1770–1841)

  • 91.0 x 153.0 x 63.0 cm (whole object)

  •  

    Louis XVI, made for the King's Bed Chamber, Versailles, 1774; sold to Jean-Georges Treuttel, 1794; George Watson Taylor, his sale Christie's, London, 28 May 1825 lot 58, where bought by Robert Fogg for George IV (56 guineas).

     

  • Subject(s)
    • Natural Sciences & Mathematics
      • Zoology
        • Animals
          • Birds
      • Botany
        • Systematic botany
          • Plants & Flowers
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Industries, Crafts and Trades
        • Clothing
          • Headgear
            • Hats
    • Religion & Theology
      • Religions and faiths
        • Religions of antiquity
          • Classical mythology
            • Hercules
    Object type(s)
      • furnishings
        • furniture
          • case furniture
            • chests of drawers
              • commodes (cupboards)
  • Other number(s)

    Laking FR p133,pl.34


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