18th Century Louis XV Dressing Table or "Perruqière", attr. to Pierre Roussel (1723-1782)

Object Description

A Louis XV marquetry dressing table or ‘perruquiere’ attributed to Pierre Roussel (1723-1782). The table is veneered in tulipwood and other woods, forming floral marquetry panels with a the top central panel incorporating a trophy of finely inlaid musical instruments. The marquetry shows signs of staining and inking, the whole on a carcase of oak and pine.
The top of shaped outline, the front is recurved with a small kneehole, fitted with a leather covered pull out writing slide and four drawers. The sides are slightly bowed. The body of the table, serpentine on the lower edge on all sides, is veneered with diagonally-set tulipwood forming the background of the marquetry panels. The top divided in three sections, the outer two hingeing outwards to reveal box sections, the central one lifts up on a hinge to reveal an adjustable mirror. The left hand compartment lifts out to reveal a still fitted lined box with toilet articles: including two glass bottles/ flasks with silver screw tops and an appropriate metal funnel, scissor, spoon, a silver needle case, three porcelain vessels (with underglazed blue painting) and one porcelain cup and saucer in Japanese style. The right hand compartment is fully lined in the same manner.
The dressing table is supported on square-sectioned cabriole legs, the feet with gilt-bronze sabots. The top, front, sides, back and opening sections displaying flower marquetry, the dressing table can be placed centrally.

Object History

Dressing tables were essential pieces of furniture for fashionable 18th century ladies who spent much time at their toilette preparing for an endless series of entertainments and social appearances. A series of drawers, which could be secured by lock and key, rendered such furniture appropriate for storing personal effects and, especially, private correspondence.

Pierre Roussel (1723 – 1782, maitre 1745) established himself in a workshop under the sign of the image of Saint-Pierre in the Rue de Charinton in Paris. After modest beginnings he had become one of the leading cabinet makers by 1767. Roussel was elected a ‘jure’ in 1762 and was holding a number of important offices within his guild. Among his grand later patrons was the Prince de Condé, who made considerable purchases for the Palais Bourbon and the Château de Chantilly between 1775 and 1780.

Object Literature

Pierre Kjellberg: Le mobilier francais du XVIIIe siècle, Paris 2008, p. 766-775, fig. p. 768, 769a, 770b, 772a
Pierre Verlet u.a.: Collection Connaissance des Arts „ Grands Artisans d’autrefois“ – Les èbènistes du XVIIIe siècle francais, Lausanne 1971, p.129-133, fig. 130/1, p. 131/4.

Object Condition

Very good, wear consistent with age and use – detailed condition report on request

Object Details