SAPFM Museum Furniture Collection

Chest of Drawers (Commode)

Jean Henri Riesener (born Cologne [now Germany], active France, 1734–1806)

Chest of Drawers (Commode), Jean Henri Riesener (born Cologne [now Germany], active France, 1734–1806), 1770–80, Oak, ma…
Maker
Jean Henri Riesener (born Cologne [now Germany], active France, 1734–1806)
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.)
Form
Case Piece
Origin
France
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession
1972.412
Credit line
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.
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