Jean-Henri Riesener
Furniture by one of the greatest cabinet-makers of the eighteenth century
Jewel Cabinet
1787Oak, mahogany, gilt bronze | 246.0 x 147.0 x 54.6 cm (whole object) | RCIN 31207
The scale and outstanding quality of the cabinetmaking and mounts on this jewel cabinet makes it one of Riesener’s greatest masterpieces and marks the high point of his creative relationship with the bronzeworker Étienne Martincourt. It was made in 1787 for the comtesse de Provence’s bedroom at Versailles and was designed to hold her jewellery and other precious belongings. It was celebrated even during the French Revolution as a great work of art but was eventually sold off and passed through a succession of dealers, one of which unsuccessfully attempted to sell it to Napoleon.
Isometric drawings
Graphics showing the construction of the object
Watch this short film to explore inside
Digital models
3D visualisations of the object
Creator(s)
Jean-Henri Riesener (1734-1806) (cabinet maker)
Acquirer(s)
Joseph Fogg (1788–1830) (dealer)
George Watson Taylor (1770–1841)
246.0 x 147.0 x 54.6 cm (whole object)
Riesener Jewel Cabinet
Comtesse de Provence Cabinet
Made for the comtesse de Provence, 1787; confiscated 1794; sold 1796 (probably to Villemain); Charles François Guesnier and his wife, Femme Aulmont, by 1809; George Watson Taylor; his sale, Christie's, London, 28 May 1825 (76); bought by Robert Fogg for George IV (400 guineas).
Subject(s)
- People
- Putti
- Science, Medicine and Technology
- Industries, Crafts and Trades
- Jewellery
- Crowns
- Jewellery
- Engineering & Technology
- Packaging
- Containers
- Vessels (containers)
- Vases
- Vessels (containers)
- Containers
- Packaging
- Agriculture and related techniques
- Horticulture
- Fruit & Vegetables
- Horticulture
- Industries, Crafts and Trades
- Genealogy and Heraldry
- Heraldry
- Coats of arms
- Heraldry
- Arts, Recreation, Entertainment & Sport
- Music
- Musical instruments
- Lyres
- Musical instruments
- Decorative motifs
- Swags
- Swags-Flowers
- Swags
- Architecture
- Architectural design
- Architectural decoration & motifs
- Caryatids & telamons
- Architectural decoration & motifs
- Architectural design
- Music
- Natural Sciences & Mathematics
- Zoology
- Animals
- Birds
- Pigeons & doves
- Birds
- Animals
- Zoology
Object type(s)
- furnishings
- furniture
- case furniture
- cabinets
- jewel cabinets
- cabinets
- case furniture
- furniture
- People
Other number(s)
Laking FR p147,pl.45
