Jean-Henri Riesener

Furniture by one of the greatest cabinet-makers of the eighteenth century

    JEAN-HENRI RIESENER (1734–1806)

    Roll top desk

    c. 1770

    Oak, purplewood, tulipwood, mahogany, stained woods, ebony or ebonised wood, box, gilt bronze | 139 x 195.5 x 102.5 cm | F102

    Download image

    Pierre-Gaspard-Marie Grimod, comte d’Orsay, was one of the greatest patrons and collectors of art in eighteenth-century France. After inheriting his father’s fortune, he set about furnishing his hôtel in the latest fashion. He patronised many furnituremakers, including Riesener, who delivered this magnificent roll top desk (which is after a model delivered to Louis XV) to the comte around 1770.

    roll-top desk open
    roll-top desk with reading panel open
    back of roll-top desk
    keyhole of roll-top desk
    detail of drawers
    detail of brass mount
    Isometric drawings

    Graphics showing the construction of the object

    isometric drawing of the front of desk
    isometric drawing of back of roll-top desk
    isometric drawing of the side of desk
    Digital models

    3D visualisations of the object

    Expand iframe in new tab
    Expand iframe in new tab
      Find out more at the Wallace Collection
      PreviousNext
      PreviousNext

      Quick Links

      Official Royal Residences

      Royal Collection Trust is a charity caring for the Royal Collection, one of the world’s great art collections. Income from your visit helps us to conserve and share the Collection so that it can be enjoyed by everyone, wherever they are.