Jean-Henri Riesener
Furniture by one of the greatest cabinet-makers of the eighteenth century
Writing table
c. 1785Oak, sycamore, satinwood, rosewood, gilt bronze | 75.7 x 61.0 x 44.0 cm (whole object) | RCIN 21209
The richly chased and gilded floral mounts on this writing table, and its lozenge-shaped marquetry with black, white and blue stringing, suggest that it was part of a suite of furniture Riesener delivered to Marie-Antoinette’s private apartments at the Tuileries in July 1784. The model for this type of table was devised by Riesener in the early 1780s, another example being the table made for Marie-Antoinette’s use at the Petit Trianon.
Digital model
3D visualisation of the object
Creator(s)
Jean-Henri Riesener (1734-1806) (furniture maker)
Morel & Seddon (restorer)
Acquirer(s)
Joseph Fogg (1788–1830) (dealer)
George Watson Taylor (1770–1841)
75.7 x 61.0 x 44.0 cm (whole object)
Bought by George IV at Christie's, London, at the sale of the collection of George Watson-Taylor, 28 May 1825 (lot 11, £24 3s).
Subject(s)
- Science, Medicine and Technology
- Engineering & Technology
- Packaging
- Containers
- Vessels (containers)
- Vases
- Vessels (containers)
- Containers
- Military engineering
- Arms (weapons)
- Mace (club)
- Arms (weapons)
- Packaging
- Agriculture and related techniques
- Horticulture
- Berries
- Horticulture
- Engineering & Technology
- Natural Sciences & Mathematics
- Botany
- Systematic botany
- Plants & Flowers
- Systematic botany
- Botany
- Arts, Recreation, Entertainment & Sport
- Decorative motifs
- Diaper pattern
- Decorative techniques & surface decoration
- Floral decorations
- Wreaths
- Floral decorations
- Decorative motifs
- Religion & Theology
- Religions and faiths
- Religions of antiquity
- Classical mythology
- Dionysus
- Classical mythology
- Religions of antiquity
- Religions and faiths
Object type(s)
- furnishings
- furniture
- support furniture
- tables
- case furniture
- desks
- writing tables
- desks
- support furniture
- furniture
- Science, Medicine and Technology
Other number(s)
Laking FR p146
M&S 564