Jean Henri Riesener (born Cologne [now Germany], active France, 1734–1806)
Paris
Chest of Drawers (Commode)
INV-1094
Jean Henri Riesener (born Cologne [now Germany], active France, 1734–1806)
Paris1770–80
Chest of Drawers (Commode)
Jean Henri Riesener (born Cologne [now Germany], active France, 1734–1806) Paris →case furniturefurniture
Date
1770–80
Medium
Oak, mahogany, kingwood, purple heart, and other woods, gilded bronze, and marble
Dimensions
96.3 × 157.5 × 59.1 cm (37 7/8 × 62 × 23 1/4 in.)
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Location
Chicago, IL
Credit
Major Acquisitions Fund and Wirt D. Walker Endowment
This commode features ornate inlaid-wood floral designs and crisp gilded-bronze mounts. These adornments are the work of celebrated cabinetmaker Jean-Henri Riesener, who was appointed ébéniste ordinaire du roi (cabinetmaker to the king) under Louis XVI. Riesener’s inlaid veneers include many types of wood, which he often enhanced with stains to create the impression of realistically painted flowers. These colors have faded over time, but the intricate inlaid composition remains.
Also notable
Works in the same vein
