Commode c. 1745 - 1750

This commode was made in France in the 18th century by Charles Cressent, using wood, marble, and gilt bronze. Cressent was one of the pre-eminent cabinetmakers of the Rococo era, a period of high elegance and luxury. The commode is not just a piece of furniture; it’s a statement about the social hierarchy of its time. The extravagant use of gilt bronze and marble, combined with the intricate marquetry, speaks to the wealth and status of its owner. Cressent was known for his innovative designs and the high quality of his craftsmanship, catering to an aristocratic clientele that valued both functionality and opulent display. To understand this piece, we need to consider the Ancien Régime, the French monarchy and aristocracy before the Revolution. The commode reflects the values of that culture and the vast disparity in wealth. Auction catalogs, estate inventories, and historical records of the artisan workshops can reveal much about the culture that produced such objects.