Jean-Henri Riesener
Furniture by one of the greatest cabinet-makers of the eighteenth century
Chest-of-drawers (commode),
1774Oak 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
- Animals
- Botany
- Systematic botany
- Plants & Flowers
- Systematic botany
- Zoology
- Science, Medicine and Technology
- Industries, Crafts and Trades
- Clothing
- Headgear
- Hats
- Headgear
- Clothing
- Industries, Crafts and Trades
- Religion & Theology
- Religions and faiths
- Religions of antiquity
- Classical mythology
- Hercules
- Classical mythology
- Religions of antiquity
- Religions and faiths
Object type(s)
- furnishings
- furniture
- case furniture
- chests of drawers
- commodes (cupboards)
- chests of drawers
- case furniture
- furniture
- Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Other number(s)
Laking FR p133,pl.34
