Mahogany Commode, By Jh Riesener

Exceptional Château Commode, From the Louis 16 Period, with slight Central Projection, and Projection on each side, opening on the front with Two Rows of Drawers without visible crosspiece, and a Third Row under the Belt, comprising 3 Drawers. It bears the stamp of JH RIESENER + JME (Jurande des Maîtres Ébénistes) on the front upright. A Commode of the same Model bearing the Marks of Château De Compiègne and Garde Meuble de Fontainebleau, appeared in the Sale of La Galerie Charpentier in April 1951, Lot 113. Another of the Same Model (maybe the same..) appeared in La Ventye from the VIEL Collection Lot 89. The two drawers on each side close with keyholes hidden under the pull ring. It is made of Mahogany and Flamed Mahogany veneer. It rests on "Toupie" feet, fluted with chiseled and gilded bronze hooves and rings. The uprights are rounded, the sides concave, widening into a projection at the rear. An original White Marble Top veined with Gray, with a slight Central Projection, covers the whole. It has all its original locks which close with attached keys. It is entirely from the Louis XVI period: The frame is made of oak. It measures 148 CM in length, 64 CM in depth and 92 CM in height. It is a Production of the Ateliers Parisens au Privilège Royal. Masterpiece of cabinetmaking of great rarity both in design and by their Creator, Parisian Work from the 18th Century. Jean Henri RIESENER was born in Germany in 1734, he arrived in Paris around 1755, and entered the Workshop of Jean-François OEBEN. When he died in 1763, he took charge of his workshop and married the widow of his former master, to the great despair of his rival, Jean-François LELEU. Received Master in 1768 in Paris, he was named "Cabinetmaker to the King" in 1774 and became the Official Supplier to the Crown. During the years 1769 to 1784, he became the supplier of sumptuous furniture to the ROYAL COURT. His fame is largely due to the exceptional quality of his creations for the Royal Family, in particular with Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. Its Furniture is known for its elegant style and excellent cabinetmaking work. He surrounds himself with a rich clientele, he is the Fashionable Cabinetmaker and his success goes well beyond borders to the point that he delivers to all European Courts. Although of German origin, he represents the Art of French Luxury. He continued to work for La Cour until La Révolution. He died in 1806, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of crafts.