Commode
The stamp D.F. is found on a number of related mid-eighteenth century commodes either decorated with Asian lacquer or with European imitation lacquer. It is believed that the cabinetmaker Jean Deforge, member of a family of Parisian ébénistes by that name, was responsible for this group and for this particular commode veneered with red Chinese lacquer as well. Jean Deforge was connected with a circle of important craftsmen in Paris: he was related through his marriage with Françoise Pottier (or Pothier) to the cabinetmaker and furniture dealer Albert Pottier, while his younger sister married Guillaume Martin, one of the Martin brothers famous for their imitation lacquer usually called vernis Martin.
The two drawers of this commode are sans traverse (meaning without a shelf between them). Although gilt bronze beautifully frames the panels of red lacquer on the front and sides, protects the corners and feet, there are no handles on the drawer fronts which makes it difficult to open them. This may indicate that this commode might have been considered primarily as a display piece rather than having been used for actual storage.
By the mid-eighteenth century Chinese red and gold lacquer was made and exported to Europe where it was used for wall decoration and for the fronts of commodes. It is known that the luxury dealer or marchand mercier Lazare Duvaux sold five red lacquer commodes between 1754 and 1758, signifying that there was a certain market for them in Paris.
A detailed description of how to reuse Asian lacquer as veneer for European furniture was published by Andre-Jacob Roubo in his treatise L’Art du Menuisier of 1769-75. Roubo described how the lacquer should be cut from its wooden substrate to prevent cracking. Heat was used in order to carefully bend the lacquer to the shape of the piece of furniture to which it was subsequently glued.
Roubo also suggested framing the lacquer with gilt-bronze mounts to mask the joints and hide any damage that might have occurred during the cutting process. Even though this commode predates Roubo’s publication by a number of years, it illustrates that these techniques were already practiced at an earlier date.
The two drawers of this commode are sans traverse (meaning without a shelf between them). Although gilt bronze beautifully frames the panels of red lacquer on the front and sides, protects the corners and feet, there are no handles on the drawer fronts which makes it difficult to open them. This may indicate that this commode might have been considered primarily as a display piece rather than having been used for actual storage.
By the mid-eighteenth century Chinese red and gold lacquer was made and exported to Europe where it was used for wall decoration and for the fronts of commodes. It is known that the luxury dealer or marchand mercier Lazare Duvaux sold five red lacquer commodes between 1754 and 1758, signifying that there was a certain market for them in Paris.
A detailed description of how to reuse Asian lacquer as veneer for European furniture was published by Andre-Jacob Roubo in his treatise L’Art du Menuisier of 1769-75. Roubo described how the lacquer should be cut from its wooden substrate to prevent cracking. Heat was used in order to carefully bend the lacquer to the shape of the piece of furniture to which it was subsequently glued.
Roubo also suggested framing the lacquer with gilt-bronze mounts to mask the joints and hide any damage that might have occurred during the cutting process. Even though this commode predates Roubo’s publication by a number of years, it illustrates that these techniques were already practiced at an earlier date.
Artwork Details
- Title: Commode
- Maker: Jean Desforges (active ca. 1740–50, died after 1757)
- Date: ca. 1745–50
- Culture: French
- Medium: Oak veneered with Chinese lacquer and lacquered wood; gilt bronze; rouge royal marble
- Dimensions: H. 34 x W. 42-1/2 x D. 20-3/4 in. (86.4 x 108.0 x 52.7 cm)
- Classification: Woodwork-Furniture
- Credit Line: The Lesley and Emma Sheafer Collection, Bequest of Emma A. Sheafer, 1973
- Object Number: 1974.356.205
- Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Jean Henri Riesener
1783
Adam Weisweiler
ca. 1790
Jean Henri Riesener
1783
Gilles Joubert
1759
Multiple artists/makers
1786–87
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.