Easel

ca. 1780–1800

Not on view

This easel is a more ornate example than the other Empire period model in the museum’s collection (1972.284.17). The carved swans’ heads featured atop the mahogany base suggests that it was used for display purposes rather than a practical painting tool. Mythological creatures denoting sensuality and seduction, swans became a popular motif during the Empire period. They can be found across a wide variety of furnishings, including the lavabo executed by Martin-Guillaume Biennais, also in the Met’s collection (26.256.1).

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Easel
Date: ca. 1780–1800
Culture: French
Medium: Mahogany, brass
Dimensions: 96 x 33 in. (243.8 x 83.8 cm)
Classification: Woodwork-Furniture
Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, 1997
Object Number: 1997.394
Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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Mechanical table, Jean Henri Riesener French, Oak veneered with mahogany and marquetry of bois satiné, sycamore, holly, ebonized holly fillets, and bayberry, the top with an amaranth border; gilt-bronze mounts; mirror glass; iron and brass fittings; green velvet (not original), French, Paris — Mechanical table
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Side table (commode servante or commode desserte), Jean Henri Riesener French, Oak, pine, mahogany, and mahogany veneer; gilt-bronze mounts; Carrara marble top and shelf, French, Paris — Side table (commode servante or commode desserte)
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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)
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Mechanical table (Table mécanique), Jean Henri Riesener French, Oak veneered with marquetry of bois satiné, holly, amaranth, barberry, stained sycamore, and green-lacquered wood; gilt-bronze mounts; steel, iron and brass fittings; mirror glass; velvet (not original), French, Paris — Mechanical table (Table mécanique)
Jean Henri Riesener
Jean-Gotfritt Mercklein
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