By Jean-Henri Riesener
Located in Berlin, DE
A Model of Jean Henri Riesener (Received Master in 1768) executed in 1785. (Inv. OA 5501 in Louvre Museum). 19th century. This fine and sumptuous “Regulateur de Pendule” presents a fine amaranth. Of Sycamore oeuil de vermeuil, ebony and buis stringing marquetry. The base and the gaine are decorated with diamond shapes. The hours are inscribed in Roman numerals and the munutes in Arabic. It takes place in a magnificent gilt décor of three winged children playing with garlands on clouds. The regulator is enriched with a delicate garniture of bronze. The dial and each panel are framed by an elegant frieze of palms and pearls. The top of the gaine is enhanced with a frieze of palms and ovums, foliages and garlands of flowers. Each corner is ornated with fleurons. The front of the gaine is embellished by an Apollo mask (Sun Symbol) and each side with laurel crowns. Under the mask the cartouche is decorated by a stylized vase of flowers.
Folliated scrolls, flowers, garlands, cornucopias and musical instruments such as a harp (Apollo Reference) The cherubs are underlined by pearls, scrolls of Acanthus Leaves and garlands dawning out in foliages, framed with ropes until the lions feet. The feet rest on a base ornated with fleurons and foliages with buds of flowers ending in four conical feet with acanthus leaves.
With André-Charles Boulle (1642-1732) and Charles Cressent (1685-1768), Riesener was arguably one of the three greatest French ébénistes of the 18th century. Eventually taking over the workshop after Oeben’s death in 1763, and marrying his widow some four years later. He is renowned for completing the famous bureau du Roi...
Category
20th Century Louis XVI Pine Decorative Objects