Washstand (athénienne or lavabo) 1800 - 1814

This washstand, or 'athénienne,' was likely made in France in the late 18th or early 19th century, with design attributed to Charles Percier. It’s made of mahogany, a tropical hardwood, combined with gilded bronze. The contrast is striking: the dark, lustrous wood provides a grounding for the extravagantly ornamented metalwork. The wood would have been carefully shaped and polished, while the bronze elements were cast, chased, and gilded – processes requiring specialized workshops. The swan motifs and classical details were intended to evoke ancient grandeur, a hallmark of the Neoclassical style. Pieces like this speak to the era’s complex economy: global trade providing exotic materials, skilled labor concentrated in urban centers, and elite consumers eager to display their wealth and taste. It represents a particular moment, when industrialized modes of production were beginning to influence even luxury goods. Understanding this washstand means considering not only its aesthetic qualities, but also the social dynamics embedded in its making.