18th Century Coiffeuse (Toilet Table) by F. Reizel

Coiffeuse (Toilet Table) by Francois Reizel, 1764-88. From the second half of the 18th century, Louis XV - XVI transition, circa 1870. Stamped F. Reizell, France, Paris, and marked JME. Materials: Rosewood, bois de rose, bois de violet, chiseled and gilded bronze ornaments, original gilded hardware. Dimensions: cm h 69.5 x 79.5 x 46 COIFFEUSE The coiffeuse is a small, multi-functional piece of furniture primarily dedicated to ladies' toilettes, which saw its success in 18th-century furnishings, particularly in Rococo styles. It features various compartments and drawers. The classic form became established in the mid-18th century and consists of a top divided into three parts. The central part folds back to reveal a mirror, serving the dual function of reflecting the person and allowing a view of the back of the embroidery work. The two side panels fold out laterally, serving both as lids for the compartments below and as support surfaces. The left compartment contains a pull-out box with a hinged lid to hold toiletries: bottles, boxes, etc. The right compartment is also closed by an additional hinged lid and was used to store the wig. In the band, there are: two faux drawers on the left, a pull-out slide in the center to support the candle holder, and a small drawer underneath; on the right, two small drawers, of which the upper one is faux and the lower one contains a compartment for inkwells. The coiffeuse in the 1700s was always a luxury piece of furniture inlaid with exotic woods; but not always adorned with gilded bronzes, except in the most precious models, such as the one under consideration. This piece of furniture is veneered primarily with bois de rose (a quality of rosewood), a rare and expensive wood that is now almost extinct and protected by the Kyoto Protocol. On this piece of furniture, both the master's stamp and that of the Jurande (warranty mark applied to quality products approved by the jurors of the corporation) are present. Brief biography of the artist: Of German origin, he settled in Paris in the Faubourg Saint-Antoine before 1770, then on Rue des Saints-Pères, and finally on Rue du Petit-Lion-Saint-Germain. The Prince of Condé was his main client, for whom he furnished various residences. He knew how to adapt to the passage of styles, constantly staying up-to-date and fashionable. Bibliography: "Le Mobilier Français du XVIII° Siècle," Pierre Kjellberg, Paris 1989, pp. 679-685 "Il mobile francese," Alexandre Pradère, Milan 1989, p. 435 "Vergoldete Bronzen," vol. I, Hans Ottomayer/Peter Pröschel, Munich 1986 "Les bronzes dorés français" Pierre Verlet, Paris 1987 "Arredi del Settecento," AA.VV., Modena 2003, constructive techniques, essay by Pierdario Santoro, page 295 "L'estampille," in "l'informatore Europeo," section "Schede tecniche d'antiquariato," edited by Pierdario Santoro, part one nr. 192 of 09/2010 and part two nr. 193 of 10/2010 Museums: Musée des Arts Décoratifs of Paris Musée Carnavalet of Paris Musée du Louvre of Paris Musée Lambinet of Versailles