Coffer stamped with the arms of Marie Thérèse of Savoy as the Countess of Artois

les frères Riollant

ca. 1773 · Wood, red morocco gilt-tooled leather, brass metal handle and clasps; silk lining · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Leather boxes and trunks served in 18th century France for the storage and protection of personal belongings when the court moved from one residence to the next. The coat of arms struck on the lid of this coffer indicates that it was intended for Marie Thérèse of Savoy as Countess of Artois. It is possible that the coffer was made on the occasion of her 1773 marriage to the younger brother of Louis XVI. The initials “PR” stamped underneath with the dove of the Holy Spirit in between are believed to be those of the brothers or frères Riollant, a Paris workshop of gainiers, also called coffretiers or malletiers in contemporary documents. This workshop provided chests and coffers to the sisters of Louis XV. A Pierre Riollant was described as “coffretier du roi” (coffer maker to the king) in the inventory that was drawn up after his death in 1781.

Artist

les frères Riollant

Date

ca. 1773

Medium

Wood, red morocco gilt-tooled leather, brass metal handle and clasps; silk lining

Culture

French

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Bequest of Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, 2019