Washstand (athénienne or lavabo), 1804–14
Design attributed to Charles Percier (French, 1764–1838); mounts attributed to Martin-Guillaume Biennais (French, 1764–1843)
Yew wood, gilt bronze; H. 36 3/8 in. (92.4 cm), Diam. 19 1/2 in. (49.5 cm)
Bequest of James Alexander Scrymser, 1918 (26.256.1)
Technical Glossary
Design attributed to Charles Percier (French, 1764–1838); mounts attributed to Martin-Guillaume Biennais (French, 1764–1843)
Yew wood, gilt bronze; H. 36 3/8 in. (92.4 cm), Diam. 19 1/2 in. (49.5 cm)
Bequest of James Alexander Scrymser, 1918 (26.256.1)
This is one of two replicas made by Martin-Guillaume Biennais (the other is at Fontainebleau) of the washstand now in the Louvre, which was made for Napoleon between 1800 and 1804. This version is unfortunately missing its silver-gilt ewer on the middle shelf and a basin at the top. Charles Percier's drawing for the model is in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris. The term athénienne originated in 1774 to describe a Neoclassical piece of furniture and continued in use into the Empire period.
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Related Index Terms
Artist
Material and Technique
- • Metalwork, Gilt Bronze
- • Wood, Furniture
- • Wood, Furniture, Europe
- • Wood, Furniture, Europe, France
- • Wood, organized by type
- • Wood, organized by type, Exotic woods
