Dimensions: 34 3/4 x 58 1/4 x 25 1/4 in. (88.27 x 147.96 x 64.14 cm)
Copyright: Public Domain
This commode was made by Antoine Foullet in France. Notice the commode’s elaborate marquetry and gilded bronze ornamentation against the rich marble top, which immediately conveys a sense of opulence. The structure of the piece relies on symmetry and balance. We can see how the meticulous design uses the principles of harmony and proportion favored during the Rococo era. The commode is more than just a functional object, it’s a complex system of signs and symbols designed to communicate status and refinement. The gilded details and elaborate inlays signify wealth and power. Consider the craftsmanship and the visual language of the commode – a carefully constructed interplay of lines, forms, and materials. Each element reinforces the idea of luxury. The commode reflects broader cultural values and assumptions about taste, class, and the role of art in shaping social identity.
Comments
This commode, or decorative chest of drawers, is a feast for the senses. Flowers decorate the center, while the panels on either side display flaming urns on half columns. Below, rendered in gold-covered bronze, smoke billows from an incense burner. Most likely the commode’s owner took the hint, complementing these visual references to smell with an actual pot pourri—a vessel containing sweet-smelling materials—on its marble top.
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