COMMODE (CHEST OF DRAWERS)
Creator(s): Godefroy Dester (Maker)
On view in: Second Floor Hallway
About this object
The top is in reddish mottled marble. Across the top of the front, in three sections, and on each side is a frieze in gilt bronze with a bold design of interlaced big and small circles enclosing rosettes, the interstices filled with acanthus leaves. The front of the body is split across to conform to two drawers behind; the marquetry on the front is divided into three panels -the center has a cluster of musical instruments, sheets of music, and laurel leaves; on either side is an ornate urn; between the panels is a motif like scales or links of a chain; in the apron below is a gilt bronze mount with a lion mask flanked by vine scrolls; each side of the chest has the same urn and scale motif. The front posts are canted and topped by a ram's head and acanthus leaves in gilt bronze; the front legs have acanthus leaves on the curved knees and more leaves near the lion claw feet, all in gilt bronze; also on the legs are two bands of the scale motif in marquetry. Each drawer has two large wreath-like pulls.
- Object name:
- COMMODE (CHEST OF DRAWERS)
- Made from:
- Wood marquetry -- gilt bronze -- marble
- Made in:
- Paris, France
- Date made:
- ca. 1780
- Size:
- 88.9 x 132.7 cm (35 x 52 1/4 in.)
Detailed information for this item
- Catalog number:
- 31.8
- Class:
- FURNITURE
- Signature marks:
- STAMP stamped on the top of the right front leg with the D reversed: G DESTER
- Credit line:
- Bequest of Marjorie Merriweather Post, 1973