French Rococo Ebenisterie in the J. Paul Getty Museum

The Getty Museum has published a comprehensive catalogue of its French Rococo ebenisterie furniture collection, dating from 1735 to 1760. The collection reflects the tastes of its founder, J. Paul Getty, and is particularly rich in examples created by the most talented cabinet masters in Paris. The catalogue includes a curatorial section, conservation report, and technical essays on the analysis of gilt-bronze mounts and lacquer.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 08 June 2021
Publisher: Getty Trust Publications

The Getty Museum's extensive collection of French Rococo ebenisterie furniture is presented in its first comprehensive catalogue. This catalogue specifically highlights French ebenisterie furniture in the Rococo style, dating from 1735 to 1760. These remarkable objects directly reflect the preferences of the Museum's founder, J. Paul Getty, who began collecting in this area in 1938 and continued until his passing in 1976.

The Museum's collection stands out for its remarkable abundance of examples crafted by the most skilled cabinet makers of their time in Paris. Notable among them are Bernard van Risenburgh II (active after 1696 and approximately until 1766), Jacques Dubois (1694-1763), and Jean-Francois Oeben (1721-1763). These craftsmen were highly skilled in creating veneered and marquetried furniture pieces, which were highly sought-after for their opulent surfaces, exquisite gilt-bronze mounts, and intricate designs. Their creations were esteemed throughout Europe during a period when Paris was regarded as the epitome of good taste.

The catalogue provides detailed information about each work, encompassing a curatorial section that offers a description and commentary on the piece. Additionally, a conservation report is included, featuring construction diagrams that provide insight into the craftsmanship and materials used. An introduction by Anne-Lise Desmas traces the collection's acquisition history, while two technical essays by Arlen Heginbotham present methodologies and findings on the analysis of gilt-bronze mounts and lacquer.

This comprehensive catalogue offers a valuable resource for scholars, collectors, and enthusiasts of French Rococo ebenisterie furniture. It showcases the Museum's remarkable collection and provides a deeper understanding of the artistic and cultural significance of these magnificent objects.

Weight: 1238g
Dimension: 216 x 280 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781606066300