Gold-Covered Commode, bronze, Europe, Paris, France

Charles Cressent was a renowned furniture maker during the Rococo period in France. Born in Amiens, France in 1685, he trained as a sculptor before turning to furniture making. He established his own workshop in Paris in the early 18th century and quickly gained a reputation for his elegant and sophisticated designs. Cressent's furniture was characterised by lavish decoration, intricate carving and sweeping curves. He often incorporated exotic materials such as tortoiseshell, ivory and mother-of-pearl into his designs, which were popular with the French aristocracy. One of Cressent's most famous pieces is the chest of drawers he made for Louis XV's mistress, Madame de Pompadour. The commode features elaborate gilt bronze mounts and intricate marquetry decoration. Cressent's work was highly sought after during his lifetime and his pieces are still highly prized by collectors today. He died in Paris in 1768, leaving behind a legacy of exquisite furniture that epitomises the opulence and elegance of the Rococo period.