SIDEBOARD

Creator(s): Unknown

On view in: First Floor Library

About this object

Jean-Henri Riesener was one of the finest cabinetmakers of the Louis XVI period. He excelled in crafting exceptionally refined marquetry as well as highly sculptural bronzes and ingenious mechanical devices, all techniques that he learned from his master Jean-François Oeben. In 1774 Riesener was appointed ébéniste du roi (king’s cabinetmaker). During the next ten years he enjoyed the full favor of the court and supplied it with numerous pieces of furniture for staggering sums. This monumental commode eloquently illustrates Riesener’s highly personal style and his mastery as a cabinetmaker.

The sideboard has a plain top which is bordered in a darker wood. The top is covered with glass which is straight on the front, and shaped over two open shelves at each side. There is one long drawer at the front with two glass doors enclosing the cabinet below. There are four carved, spiral, ebonized columns at the four corners and four ebonized fluted ball feet.

Object name:

SIDEBOARD

Made from:

Wood -- glass -- cloth

Made in:

England

Date made:

19th c.

Size:

97.8 x 181.6 x 40 cm (38 1/2 x 71 1/2 x 15 3/4 in.)

Detailed information for this item

Catalog number:

33.11

Class:

FURNITURE

Signature marks:

Credit line:

Bequest of Marjorie Merriweather Post, 1973