Search results

Start typing

Jean-Henri Riesener

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

JEAN-HENRI RIESENER (1734-1806)

Writing table (chiffonnière)

c.1781

Oak, purplewood, satiné, stained woods, ebony or ebonised wood, box, gilt bronze | 73.3 x 59 x 41.9 cm | 2546

Since the nineteenth century, this writing table has been celebrated for the quality of its gilt-bronze mounts and its marquetry decoration. The details of its early provenance are not clear, but the stamp of Marie-Antoinette’s private wardrobe shows that it was made for her use. It corresponds closely to small tables made for the queen in 1781. Francois Rémond, one of the greatest bronzeworkers of the eighteenth century, is most likely to have been responsible for gilding the mounts.


Watch the film below to see the different components of the writing table

 


    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.