Commode
Genty, who worked as a cabinetmaker and as a furniture dealer, foreshadowed in his marquetry decoration the scrolling outline and placement of the Rococo-style mounts. The mounts protected the corners, feet, and keyhole; gave access to the drawers by means of handles; emphasized the serpentine shape of the commode; and added a sculptural element to the piece. Here, half the mounts have been removed to illustrate their importance. Displayed from the back, the separate corner mount shows that only the front side was gilded. The incised mark III matches that on the stile of the commode, indicating that this particular mount was intended for the front right corner.
Artwork Details
- Title: Commode
- Maker: Denis Genty (master ébéniste 1754–ca. 1762)
- Date: ca. 1760
- Culture: French, Paris
- Medium: Oak veneered with amaranth, bois satiné, boxwood, and various stained woods; gilt bronze; rouge royal marble
- Dimensions: Overall: 34 3/4 × 57 3/8 × 26 3/8 in. (88.3 × 145.7 × 67 cm)
- Classification: Woodwork-Furniture
- Credit Line: Bequest of Ruth Mabee Lachman, 1990
- Object Number: 1990.268.1a, b
- Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
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