The so-called “Concordat” commode was commissioned for Louis XVI. This remarkable piece escaped the throes of the Revolution and returned to the furnishings of the Château de Fontainebleau in 1804 to furnish the bedroom of Pope Pius VII, who was staying there during Napoleon's coronation.
This piece of furniture is one of J.H. Riesener's finest achievements. Finely detailed, with rounded sides, the commode is made up of 5 drawers, including 3 small ones in the belt, uprights with cut sides, volute feet on plinths, handles in garlands and ornaments on the facades. These elements, in gilded bronze with 24 carat fine gold, have been restored identically by Craman-Lagarde artisans.
The straight projection front highlights the sublime central marquetry. Its tour de force lies in the respect for the curves of the furniture. Depth and relief of the decorations are provided by the shading. This subtle technique, carried out using sand heated to 250 – 300 degrees, allows a degraded brownness result.
Working on the geometric mosaic patterns, the flower ewer flanked by a wicker basket filled with fruits, the flowers and musical instruments tied with ribbons, recreating this majestic decor in Brazilian mahogany veneer, gray amaranth and sycamore required hours and hours of meticulous work to the craftsmen.
