Commode
1770–80
Medium
Oak, mahogany, kingwood, purple heart, and unidentified exotic woods, gilt bronze, and marble
Dimensions
96.3 × 157.5 × 59.1 cm (37 7/8 × 62 × 23 1/4 in.)
Classification
case furniture
Department
Applied Arts of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
109412
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
This commode features ornate inlaid-wood floral designs and crisp gilded-bronze mounts. These adornments are the work of celebrated cabinetmaker Jean-Henri Riesener, who was appointed ébéniste ordinaire du roi (cabinetmaker to the king) under Louis XVI. Riesener’s inlaid veneers include many types of wood, which he often enhanced with stains to create the impression of realistically painted flowers. These colors have faded over time, but the intricate inlaid composition remains.