Charles Cressent and Louis XV at the Château de la Muette

Published on 27 October 2023, by Sophie Reyssat

Auction on 25 November 2023 - 14:30 (CET) - 9, rue des Arcades - 78100 Saint-Germain-en-Laye

The only piece of furniture made by cabinetmaker Charles Cressent (1685-1768) for the French King, this commode is listed with the Garde-Meuble and has belonged to the same collection since 1934.

Charles Cressent (1685-1768), Louis XV period, satin-finish and cross marquetry commode... Charles Cressent and Louis XV at the Château de la Muette

Charles Cressent (1685-1768), Louis XV period, satin-finish and cross marquetry commode with palms and flowers, opening with two drawers and two leaves, decorated with openwork cartouche, palms and flower falls, Sarrancolin marble top, n° 1131 du garde-meuble de la Couronne, 89 x 149 x 66 cm/35 x 58.6 x 25.9 in.
Estimate: €500,000/700,000

"The most prestigious commission by the most prestigious cabinetmaker", sums up expert Pierre-François Dayot’s thoughts regarding this commode made by Charles Cressent (1685-1768) for Louis XV. Its discovery came as a surprise, as the cabinetmaker usually worked for a private clientele. As far as we know, it is the only piece of French royal furniture he ever made. The provenance of this exceptional piece is attested by a number inscribed in ink, corresponding to its registration in the Journal du Garde-Meuble de la Couronne on August 4, 1738: "Delivered by Gaudreaus. For use in the room in the King's new apartment at the Château de la Muette. “N° 1131: A beautiful commode made of various types of wood from the Indies, enriched with palms, garlands of flowers, hands, keyholes and other ornaments in relief…

This article is for subscribers only

You still have 85% left to read.

To discover more, Subscribe