A FRENCH ORMOLU AND JASPERWARE-MOUNTED MAHOGANY COMMODE À VANTAUX

Based on the celebrated pair of sumptuous commodes à vantaux created for Marie-Antoinette’s salon des jeux at the Château de Fontainebleau, the present commode by Maison Antoine Krieger perfectly encapsulates the late nineteenth century fascination with and desire to emulate the world of the ancien régime. Following its exhibition at the Union central des Arts décoratifs in 1882, the model was reproduced by François Linke, possibly for Krieger, in two lengths. Its finely chased mounts of scrolling rinceaux and medallion plaques in deep relief precisely recall those on the eighteenth-century originals. Meeting the continued demand for French royal furniture, Krieger produced a nearly exact replica in its full palatial scale.

The firm of Maison Krieger was established in 1826 by Antoine and his brother Nicolas, with premises at 17, rue Saint-Nicolas, Paris. Changing address several times, the firm became known as Antoine Krieger & Cie. in 1850 and moved to 76, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Antoine in 1853. On Krieger's death in 1856, the company passed to his sons-in-law and became Cosse-Racault et Cie. Finally, after further name changes, it became Colin et Courcier circa 1909, with premises at 74, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Antoine.