Sofa (canapé à confidents)

ca. 1765
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 526
This elaborately carved beechwood sofa (canapé) is stamped several times: I. POTHIER. Jean-Jacques Pothier was elected a maître menusier in 1750. Around 1775-76, he established his workshop in the Rue de Bourbon-Villeneuve, Paris, and appears to have retired around 1780.


The curvilinear shape of the frame with its crest-rail curving around the ends to form armrests, the serpentine seat-rail and the seven short cabriole legs are still expressions of the Rococo style. However, the continuous molding along the legs, seat-rail, arm supports and crest-rail, as well as the symmetrical floral and foliage carving makes this sofa a Transitional piece.



Pothier made other seat furniture in the Transitional style by introducing classical motifs such as the Greek key pattern, thereby heralding the advance into Neo-classicism (see armchair 07.225.60).



Very little is known about Pothier’s clientele. His oeuvre shows a high level of craftsmanship and great attention to detail. He seems to have worked regularly with the foremost menuisier Georges Jacob since a number of virtually identical pieces come from both workshops.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Sofa (canapé à confidents)
  • Maker: Jean-Jacques Pothier (master 1750, working until ca. 1780)
  • Date: ca. 1765
  • Culture: French
  • Medium: Carved and gilded beech, modern silk lampas
  • Dimensions: H. 41 x W. 76 x D. 31 in. (104.1 x 193.0 x 78.7 cm)
  • Classification: Woodwork-Furniture
  • Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, 1976
  • Object Number: 1976.155.167
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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