Sofa (canapé à confidents)
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.
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
- 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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Jean-Jacques Pothier
ca. 1765
Jean-Jacques Pothier
ca. 1775
Jean-Jacques Pothier
ca. 1775
Claude I Sené
ca. 1775–80
Multiple artists/makers
1779
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