Chest of Drawers (commode) 1745 - 1749

This commode, or chest of drawers, was made by Jean Desforges in France in the mid-18th century. It's primarily made of wood, veneered with a glossy black lacquer, and ornamented with gilt bronze. The top is a slab of veined marble. The black lacquer is especially interesting. It imitates Asian lacquerware, which was highly prized in Europe at the time. But instead of importing the real thing, European craftsmen developed their own techniques. This involved applying many layers of varnish, then polishing them to a high sheen. The scenes you see are painted or engraved into the surface. The commode’s form and decoration speak to the 18th century’s fascination with the exotic, achieved through skillful labor. The bronze work alone would have required the expertise of highly skilled modelers, casters, and finishers. The commode isn't just furniture; it’s a demonstration of skill, and a monument to global trade. It blurs the lines between art, craft, and commerce.