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COMMODE (CHEST OF DRAWERS) WITH PASTORAL MARQUETRY

Creator(s): Jean-Henri Riesener (Attributed to)

On view in: Entry Hall


About this object

Rectangular in shape, the commode has a projecting center with two drawers flanked by two concave panels that conceal cupboard doors and three drawers at the top. One turn of the key simultaneously unlocks the two large drawers and springs open the side doors. The front facade is divided into seemingly superimposed panels with pictorial marquetry surrounded by bronze frames. The two large central drawers are inlaid to depict a pastoral trophy composed of a pair of turtle doves, a basket of flowers, a large hat, a sheath of wheat, and a tambourine. Burl wood was used on the cupboard drawers to imitate two jasper vases laden with flowers.The commode is mounted with highly sculptural bronzes. At the center top on a shield supported on each side by putto appears the head of Hercules covered with a lion's skin. A band of acanthus leaf scrolls conceals the top central drawers. Flattened corners bear mounts formed as draped female busts crowned with laurel leaves. At the bottom, the apron is mounted with a mask of a bearded man, which terminates in ornamental leaves. The feet are covered with lion's paws in gilt bronze. The top is covered with a slab of reddish marble enclosed by a narrow band of gilt bronze chased with a vine scroll. Sides are concave and have marquetry panels with an overalll pattern of trellis enclosing acanthus quatrefoils.

Object name:
COMMODE (CHEST OF DRAWERS) WITH PASTORAL MARQUETRY
Made from:
Oak --Wood marquetry -- gilt bronze -- marble
Made in:
Paris, France
Date made:
ca. 1775
Size:
97.2 x 171.5 x 67.3 cm (38 1/4 x 67 1/2 x 26 1/2 in.)

Detailed information for this item

Catalog number:
31.11
Class:
FURNITURE
Signature marks:
MARK
Credit line:
Bequest of Marjorie Merriweather Post, 1973