Jean-Henri Riesener: The Pinnacle of 18th-Century Parisian Furniture Making

Jean-Henri Riesener, born on July 4, 1734, in Gladbeck, Germany, is celebrated as one of the most renowned ébénistes of the 18th century. His journey from Germany to France marked the beginning of a new era in furniture making that would forever bear his signature. Settling in Paris in the mid-1750s, Riesener’s craftsmanship quickly aligned with the neoclassical Louis XVI style, heralding a blend of elegance and innovation that was unparalleled at the time [❞] [❞].

Riesener’s early work in Paris involved a collaboration with Jean-François Oeben, another German émigré and master cabinet-maker. Upon Oeben’s death in 1763, Riesener not only took over the workshop but also married Oeben’s widow, cementing his place in the French capital’s furniture-making legacy. His breakthrough came with the completion of the ‘King’s Desk,’ delivered to Versailles in 1769. This piece was not merely furniture; it was a symbol of Riesener’s ingenuity and the opulent tastes of the era [❞].

As the official supplier of furniture to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, Riesener’s designs served not just as functional items but as statements of luxury and royal favor. His work is notable for its exquisite craftsmanship, incorporating well-figured mahogany veneers and exceptional gilt bronze mounts. The pieces from the later 1780s, including lavish jewel cabinets, bear testament to his virtuosity and are considered some of the greatest masterpieces of the Louis XVI period [❞] [❞].

The cylinder bureau, with its sumptuous mahogany and gilt bronze, is a hallmark of Riesener’s work from his peak period in the 1780s. This particular piece, though lacking a definitive patron, shares the distinctive qualities and construction techniques found in other Riesener bureaux located in Lisbon, Waddesdon, and Buckingham Palace, suggesting a standard of quality that Riesener consistently upheld across his works.

The legacy of Jean-Henri Riesener continues to captivate enthusiasts and scholars alike. His influence on decorative arts is encapsulated in the research projects by esteemed institutions such as the Wallace Collection, Waddesdon Manor, and the Royal Collection. These organizations have dedicated significant efforts to exploring Riesener’s contributions, ensuring that his story and his extraordinary creations remain at the forefront of our cultural memory.

In conclusion, Jean-Henri Riesener’s work embodies the zenith of furniture making in 18th-century France. His pieces are not only a testament to his personal genius but also reflect the broader cultural and artistic currents of his time. For those who wish to immerse themselves in the world of Riesener, the Wallace Collection in London, with its microsites dedicated to the cabinet-maker, offers a gateway to understanding the mastery of one of history’s greatest furniture artists.