Chest of drawers

Waddesdon houses 11 pieces of furniture by Riesener, many of which have a connection to the French royal family. This chest of drawers was commissioned for Madame Elisabeth, sister of Louis XVI, who was orphaned when she was 6. She was given her own apartments and household when she was 13, which is when this was made.

You can watch our deconstruction animation to see just how skilfully this ornate piece of French royal furniture was put together. Get a glimpse of how vibrant the finished chest of drawers might have looked when first decorated.