Commode 1755 - 1775

This is a commode made by Pierre Antoine Foullet. Observe how the commode presents a formal interplay of decorative elements against a wooden frame. Note the contrast between the straight lines of the main structure and the curved legs, and the elaborate, ornate details which emphasize the commode’s opulence. The commode is an exploration of semiotic layering. The marble top immediately signifies luxury, setting a precedent for how we interpret subsequent details. Then, the detailed marquetry evokes an appreciation for nature which was emblematic of the period. The artist is not merely creating furniture, but using a semiotic system to evoke ideas of wealth, taste, and cultural sophistication through its ornamental detail and graceful form. Consider how its construction and design reflect cultural values, and how the commode asks us to reconsider function as well as aesthetics.