Cressent, Charles

Sculptor and leading French furniture maker working in the Régence and early Rococo styles. Cressent was one of the few ébénistes who was known well enough to have his name mentioned in 18th-century sale catalogues. After beginning his career in Amiens as a sculptor he turned to furniture making ca. 1719 although he occasionally produced busts. He took over Joseph Poitous's studio in Paris and suceeded him as 'ébéniste du duc d'Orléans.' Other patrons include the King of Portugal and the Elector of Bavaria. His work is noted for its opulent forms, plain wood veneers, and elaborate bronze mounts which he modeled, cast, and gilded himself. This was against guild rules and he was prosecuted but the Duc d'Orléans protected him. French furniture maker and art dealer under Louis XV. Comment on works: Sculptor; Ebony artist; Artisan