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Jean-Henri Riesener

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

JEAN-HENRI RIESENER (1734-1806)

Jewel Cabinet

1787

Oak, mahogany, gilt bronze | 246.0 x 147.0 x 54.6 cm (whole object) | RCIN 31207

The scale and outstanding quality of the cabinetmaking and mounts on this jewel cabinet makes it one of Riesener’s greatest masterpieces and marks the high point of his creative relationship with the bronzeworker Étienne Martincourt. It was made in 1787 for the comtesse de Provence’s bedroom at Versailles and was designed to hold her jewellery and other precious belongings. It was celebrated even during the French Revolution as a great work of art but was eventually sold off and passed through a succession of dealers, one of which unsuccessfully attempted to sell it to Napoleon.

Isometric drawings

Graphics showing the construction of the object

Watch this short film to explore inside

Digital models

3D visualisations of the object

  • Creator(s)

    Jean-Henri Riesener (1734-1806) (cabinet maker)

    Acquirer(s)

    Joseph Fogg (1788–1830) (dealer)

    George Watson Taylor (1770–1841)

  • 246.0 x 147.0 x 54.6 cm (whole object)

  • Riesener Jewel Cabinet

    Comtesse de Provence Cabinet

  •  

    Made for the comtesse de Provence, 1787; confiscated 1794; sold 1796 (probably to Villemain); Charles François Guesnier and his wife, Femme Aulmont, by 1809; George Watson Taylor; his sale, Christie's, London, 28 May 1825 (76); bought by Robert Fogg for George IV (400 guineas).

     

  • Subject(s)
    • People
      • Putti
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Industries, Crafts and Trades
        • Jewellery
          • Crowns
      • Engineering & Technology
        • Packaging
          • Containers
            • Vessels (containers)
              • Vases
      • Agriculture and related techniques
        • Horticulture
          • Fruit & Vegetables
    • Genealogy and Heraldry
      • Heraldry
        • Coats of arms
    • Arts, Recreation, Entertainment & Sport
      • Music
        • Musical instruments
          • Lyres
      • Decorative motifs
        • Swags
          • Swags-Flowers
      • Architecture
        • Architectural design
          • Architectural decoration & motifs
            • Caryatids & telamons
    • Natural Sciences & Mathematics
      • Zoology
        • Animals
          • Birds
            • Pigeons & doves
  • Other number(s)

    Laking FR p147,pl.45


The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.