Fine Quality Bronze Mounted Inlaid Marble Top Commode Manner Jean Henri Riesner

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This magnificent Louis XVI commode manner of Jean-Henri Riesener is the kind of piece that stops you in your tracks—not … Read more This magnificent Louis XVI commode manner of Jean-Henri Riesener is the kind of piece that stops you in your tracks—not because it shouts, but because it quietly radiates authority, refinement, and centuries of French craftsmanship. Everything about it feels considered, balanced, and purposeful, from the shimmering marble top to the exquisite marquetry panels framed in finely chased gilt bronze.

The commode is veneered in richly figured woods, arranged in beautifully patterned marquetry, with a central panel depicting an elegant neoclassical still life—a classical urn, musical instruments, and flowering garlands—symbols of harmony, culture, and cultivated taste. This pictorial marquetry was a hallmark of the finest Parisian ébénistes of the late 18th century and required extraordinary skill to execute. The surrounding panels are laid in precise geometric parquetry, creating contrast and rhythm without overwhelming the eye.

The ormolu mounts are of exceptional quality: crisp, finely chased, and perfectly integrated into the architecture of the piece. They accent the corners, frame the drawers, and flow seamlessly into the legs, which terminate in elegant sabots. These mounts were not mere decoration—they were status symbols, signaling that the commode was intended for an elite interior, likely a Parisian hôtel particulier or aristocratic residence.

Topping it all is a beautifully shaped dark stone marble, its softly molded edge echoing the gentle curves of the façade below. The marble grounds the piece visually while adding a sense of permanence and luxury that only natural stone can provide.

Who was Jean-Henri Riesener?

Jean-Henri Riesener (1734–1806) was one of the greatest cabinetmakers of the Louis XVI period and served as ébéniste ordinaire to King Louis XVI. A German-born craftsman who rose to prominence in Paris, Riesener was celebrated for his refined neoclassical forms, masterful marquetry, and exceptional gilt bronze mounts. His clients included Marie Antoinette, members of the French court, and the most powerful families of pre-Revolutionary France. Today, his works reside in major museums such as the Louvre and the Palace of Versailles.

Riesener’s furniture is prized not only for its beauty, but for its precision and intellectual elegance—pieces that feel composed, architectural, and timeless rather than ornate for ornament’s sake.

This commode captures that spirit perfectly. It is a piece that anchors a room, brings history into the present, and rewards close inspection. Whether placed in a formal living space, a refined dining room, or a collector’s interior, it offers not just storage, but a tangible connection to the golden age of French decorative arts.

Measures 66.75 wide x 37.25 tall x 26.25 deep See less