• Width:
  51 Inches
• Height:
  33 1/2 Inches
• Depth:
  25 Inches
• Period:
  18th Century
• Origin:
  France

An extraordinary and incredibly rare Louis XV commode by ébéniste Mathieu Criard (c. 1689-1787), whose beautifully crafted rococo furniture can be found in Versailles, the Louvre and other royal collections. Criard created exquisite pieces such as this commode for Louis XV's Garde-Meuble Royal, established to ensure that only the finest quality furniture was created for the royal residences. Born in Brussels, Mathieu Criard is one of the greatest names of the rococo era. He made his sumptuous furniture for well-known Parisian dealers including Hébert, Gaudreaus, and Gilles Joubert, all suppliers to the Garde Meuble Royal. In 1755, while working for Joubert, Criard completed a night table for Madame Pompadour's residence at Choisy, which now resides at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs. This magnificent (wood type) commode is stamped M. Criard, and the superior bronze work is struck with a crowned "C," French excise mark (1745-1749). Beautiful condition.

Circa 1747

During the 18th century, the ébéniste became the quintessential craftsman. Prior to the introduction of the ébéniste, the responsibility of creating furniture was solely the job of the menuisier, or joiner, who created chairs, tables and beds. In contrast, the ébéniste served as both craftsman and artisan, applying fine marquetry to case furniture, embellishing pieces with ormolu and exotic inlays and transcending furniture design to an art form. The magnificent furniture produced by ébénistes like Criard during the 18th century resulted from a combination of unique factors. France had become the largest and wealthiest country in all of Europe and was considered by many to be the center of the civilized world. This sparked the emergence of a thriving, elite clientele who demanded the most spectacular material possessions. Strict guild laws were implemented that required the highest quality workmanship, which was enhanced by the influx of immigrant craftsmen into the powerful and prosperous country, including Mathieu Criard.

It is unknown exactly when Criard arrived in France, but it is documented that he became a master ébéniste in 1738 at the age of 49, soon becoming very prosperous. Although he occasionally created other pieces of furniture, it was the commode that remained his forte and for what he is most remembered. It is quite rare that his stamp still remains legible after the passing of more than two centuries, for it is often very difficult to find the mark of an ébéniste due to regular wear and oxidization. It is also common for restorers to have marred the stamp with their own tools. This commode is a fascinating piece from one of the most luxurious eras in history and is unrivaled in importance and craftsmanship.

Reference:
French Furniture Makers, Alexandre Pradère, 1989