Commode

ca. 1760–70

Not on view

The change from the light and elegant Rococo style, characterized by curving lines and the use of naturalistic motifs, to the more restrained and architectural Neo-Classicism, influenced by classical antiquity, did not happen overnight. In fact, the 1760s were a time of transition during which the cabinetmakers generally adopted the new classical decoration before changing the overall shape of their pieces. This transitional breakfront commode or chest of drawers, which does not bear a maker’s mark, illustrates this very clearly. Although the piece is still supported on gently curving cabriole legs, the gilt-bronze mounts show a preference for Greek and Roman architectural motifs. Rather than with floral marquetry, the exterior surface is decorated with a repetitive geometrical pattern known as parquetry. The various woods are placed in such a way to create not only a striking contrast in color but also in the direction of the grain.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: Commode
Date: ca. 1760–70
Culture: French
Medium: Tulipwood, harewood on oak; gilt bronze
Dimensions: Overall: 34 1/4 × 51 1/4 × 23 1/2 in. (87 × 130.2 × 59.7 cm)
Classification: Woodwork-Furniture
Credit Line: The Jules Bache Collection, 1949
Object Number: 49.7.113a, b
Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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Commode (Secrétaire à abattant), Jean Henri Riesener French, Oak veneered with ebony and 17th-century Japanese lacquer; interiors veneered with tulipwood, amaranth, holly, and ebonized holly; gilt-bronze mounts; marble top; velvet (not original), French, Paris — Commode (Secrétaire à abattant)
Jean Henri Riesener
1783

Commode, André Charles Boulle French, Walnut veneered with ebony, marquetry of engraved brass and tortoiseshell, gilt-bronze mounts, verd antique marble, French — Commode
André Charles Boulle
ca. 1710–20

Drop-front secretary (Secrétaire en armoire), Jean Henri Riesener French, Oak veneered with ebony and 17th-century Japanese lacquer; interiors veneered with tulipwood, amaranth, holly, and ebonized holly; gilt-bronze mounts; marble top; velvet (not original), French, Paris — Drop-front secretary (Secrétaire en armoire)
Jean Henri Riesener
1783

Drop-front secretary (secrétaire à abattant or secrétaire en armoire), Guillaume Benneman, Oak veneered with tulipwood, kingwood, holly partly stained green, ebony, and mahogany; brèche d'Alep marble (not original); modern leather; gilt-bronze mounts, French, Paris — Drop-front secretary (secrétaire à abattant or secrétaire en armoire)
Multiple artists/makers
1786–87

Writing table (bureau plat), Gilles Joubert French, Lacquered oak, gilt-bronze mounts, lined with modern leather, French, Paris — Writing table (bureau plat)
Gilles Joubert
1759

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