Drop-front secretaireJean Henri Riesener · 1783
Furniture Art
Decor
Rococo
1783
Wallace Collection
Jean Henri Riesener (1767 – 1828)
A master of the Louis XVI neoclassical style, Jean Henri Riesener crafted legendary pieces like his trough-shaped sewing table for Marie Antoinette, inviting you to discover the pinnacle of 18th-century French artistry.
Wallace Collection (London, United Kingdom)
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Design and Craftsmanship
The central focus of the secretaire is a large oval plaque set into the center of the front panel, depicting a scene with figures, possibly allegorical in nature. The figures are rendered in a realistic style, suggesting that they might be representations of mythological or historical characters. The top edge of the secretaire is embellished with a series of small, intricate carvings that add to the overall opulence of the piece. Key Features:- Intricate carvings and floral motifs
- Oval plaque with allegorical figures
- Drop-front mechanism for hidden compartment
The Drop-front secretaire by Jean Henri Riesener is a true masterpiece, showcasing the artist's exceptional skill and attention to detail. Its intricate carvings, oval plaque, and drop-front mechanism make it a standout piece in the world of 18th-century French furniture.
About this artwork
- Title: Drop-front secretaire
- Artist: Jean Henri Riesener
- Year: 1783
- Format: Tall
- Copyright status: Public domain
- Where to see it: Wallace Collection
- Movement: Rococo
- Medium: Furniture Art
- Creative period: Late Period
- Corpus context: royal patronage, neoclassical influence
Quick Facts
- Year: 1783
- Artist: Jean Henri Riesener
- Location: The Wallace Collection
- Movement: Rococo
- Artistic style: French Neoclassicism
- Medium: Wood (Oak)
Questions & Answers
Where in Jean Henri Riesener's career does "Drop-front secretaire" fall, given its date?
The 1783 date places "Drop-front secretaire" in the Late Period of Jean Henri Riesener's development.
What is the luminance of "Drop-front secretaire" by Jean Henri Riesener?
The luminance recorded for "Drop-front secretaire" by Jean Henri Riesener is gentle luminance.
Which artist is "Drop-front secretaire" attributed to?
"Drop-front secretaire" was created by Jean Henri Riesener. The information on this page describes Jean Henri Riesener's original work.
What explains the copyright situation of "Drop-front secretaire" by Jean Henri Riesener?
"Drop-front secretaire" by Jean Henri Riesener is in the public domain - its copyright has expired. Copyright terms are measured from the artist's death, and Jean Henri Riesener died in 1828.
Is "Drop-front secretaire" by Jean Henri Riesener a painting, a drawing or a print?
"Drop-front secretaire" by Jean Henri Riesener is classified as decor. The category describes the kind of artwork the original is.
What is the creation date of "Drop-front secretaire" by Jean Henri Riesener?
"Drop-front secretaire" by Jean Henri Riesener was created in 1783.
At what age did Jean Henri Riesener make "Drop-front secretaire"?
Jean Henri Riesener was 16 years old when creating "Drop-front secretaire" in 1783. The age is computed from the artist's birth year, 1767.