A design for a rococo commode which appeared as part of plate no.67 in The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director (1762 ed.), Thomas Chippendale thumbnail 1
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A design for a rococo commode which appeared as part of plate no.67 in The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director (1762 ed.), Thomas Chippendale

Drawing
ca.1753-1762 (designed)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This drawing is the original design for part of plate no.67 in The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director (1762 ed.) which is titled as a ‘commode-table’. Chippendale directs that the commode should have ‘all Drawers in front; the upper one may be a Dressing-Drawer, and of the whole length of the table’. This plate was engraved by Matthias Darly (b.ca.1720 –d.1781), who engraved many of the designs for the Director. His name can be seen on the plate however it does not appear on this original design. Commodes such as this could have been used for linens, however more elaborately designed furnishings would have been used for display only. The cabriole (curved and tapering) legs and the carved ornamentation demonstrates the popular rococo style which became fashionable from around 1730, characterised by curved forms, natural detail and asymmetry.

Thomas Chippendale was a fashionable designer and cabinet-maker in the eighteenth-century, providing furniture to such famous contemporary figures as David Garrick. His company produced high-quality furniture, including some key masterpieces, but Chippendale's outstanding skill was in design. His pattern-book The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director went through three editions in the 1750s and 60s and inspired trade catalogues and pattern-books from fellow designers. Usually produced by architects, a large, elegant pattern-book was an ambitious project for a craftsman at this time. The Director showed the full range of furniture available in the eighteenth century, and the range of styles that were fashionable. Chippendale created a trademark fusion of rococo style with Chinese and gothic elements, which was the basis of 'English' rococo. His style influenced furniture design in contemporary Europe and colonial America, and had a marked Victorian revival in England. The Director designs were the main source for Chippendale's high reputation until his furniture was first identified in 1906.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleA design for a rococo commode which appeared as part of plate no.67 in The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director (1762 ed.), Thomas Chippendale (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Pen and ink and wash on paper.
Brief description
A design for a rococo commode, engraved and published in the Director (1762 ed.), pen and ink and wash on paper, ca.1753-1762, Thomas Chippendale
Physical description
A design for a commode, with three sets of drawers to either side and two set back in the centre, the whole with scrollwork edging and ornate loop handles. Below is an outline plan-view of the left half of the commode top.
Dimensions
  • Height: 170mm
  • Width: 181mm
Style
Production typeDesign
Marks and inscriptions
  • T. Chippendale (Signature in black ink to bottom left corner)
  • 67 (Plate number to top right corner)
  • F In / 4"4 (Measurements in black ink to commode top)
Historical context
This design appeared as Plate 67 in the third edition of Chippendale's pattern-book The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director.
Subject depicted
Summary
This drawing is the original design for part of plate no.67 in The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director (1762 ed.) which is titled as a ‘commode-table’. Chippendale directs that the commode should have ‘all Drawers in front; the upper one may be a Dressing-Drawer, and of the whole length of the table’. This plate was engraved by Matthias Darly (b.ca.1720 –d.1781), who engraved many of the designs for the Director. His name can be seen on the plate however it does not appear on this original design. Commodes such as this could have been used for linens, however more elaborately designed furnishings would have been used for display only. The cabriole (curved and tapering) legs and the carved ornamentation demonstrates the popular rococo style which became fashionable from around 1730, characterised by curved forms, natural detail and asymmetry.

Thomas Chippendale was a fashionable designer and cabinet-maker in the eighteenth-century, providing furniture to such famous contemporary figures as David Garrick. His company produced high-quality furniture, including some key masterpieces, but Chippendale's outstanding skill was in design. His pattern-book The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director went through three editions in the 1750s and 60s and inspired trade catalogues and pattern-books from fellow designers. Usually produced by architects, a large, elegant pattern-book was an ambitious project for a craftsman at this time. The Director showed the full range of furniture available in the eighteenth century, and the range of styles that were fashionable. Chippendale created a trademark fusion of rococo style with Chinese and gothic elements, which was the basis of 'English' rococo. His style influenced furniture design in contemporary Europe and colonial America, and had a marked Victorian revival in England. The Director designs were the main source for Chippendale's high reputation until his furniture was first identified in 1906.
Bibliographic reference
The Gentleman and Cabinet Maker's Director, 1762, pl.67
Collection
Accession number
D.698-1906

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Record createdJune 30, 2009
Record URL
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