Commode 1750 - 1765

This commode, crafted by Roger Vandercruse, also known as Lacroix, stands as a testament to the opulence of 18th-century French decorative arts. Made with luxurious materials such as marble, gilt bronze, and various types of wood, the commode reflects the extravagant tastes of the French aristocracy before the revolution. The commode transcends mere functionality; it embodies the era's complex social and gender dynamics. Pieces like this were status symbols, embodying wealth and power but also reflecting societal expectations of women. The commode was a common furnishing in private spaces like the boudoir and was thus associated with women. Considering that women did not have the same property rights as men, it's striking to observe how their spaces were decorated with expensive pieces like this, yet were not fully under their control. The commode prompts us to consider the intersections of class, gender, and artistic expression, ultimately offering a glimpse into the lives and values of those who commissioned and used such elaborate objects.