Jean-Henri Riesener: Cabinetmaker To Louis Xvi And Marie-Antoinette

From humble beginnings as a German immigrant in Paris, Jean-Henri Riesener (1734-1806) found fame through the delivery of a magnificent roll-top desk to Louis XV in 1769 and went on to become Marie-Antoinette's favourite cabinetmaker, supplying the queen and the court of Louis XVI with sumptuous furniture of superb quality. Renowned for his exquisite marquetry and refined designs, his pieces were ornamented with spectacular gilt-bronze mounts made by some of the greatest metalworkers in Paris.

Based on the extensive collections of Riesener furniture in the Wallace Collection, Waddesdon Manor and the Royal Collection, this first major monograph traces the artist's life and career, bringing new insights into his business practice, his designs and construction techniques.