Antoine Gaudreau facts for kids
Antoine-Robert Gaudreau (born around 1680 – died May 6, 1746) was a famous furniture maker, also known as an ébéniste, from Paris. He was given the special title of Ébéniste du Roi, which means "Cabinetmaker to the King." This made him the main person who supplied furniture for the royal palaces during the early rule of King Louis XV.
We know a lot about Gaudreau because of the many records kept by the Garde-Meuble de la Couronne. This was the royal office in charge of all the king's furniture. Gaudreau started working for them in 1726. Back then, furniture makers in Paris didn't usually stamp their pieces with their names. This practice only started in 1751, after Gaudreau had passed away. Because of this, it's hard to find furniture that is definitely made by him. However, some very special pieces made for the royal family were so unique and well-described in records that we can be sure they were his work.
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Gaudreau's Famous Furniture
Antoine-Robert Gaudreau created many beautiful pieces for the French royal family. Here are some of his most well-known works:
The King's Commodes
- Commode for Versailles (1739): This chest of drawers was made from special woods like kingwood and satiné. It was delivered for King Louis XV's bedroom at the Château de Versailles. It has fancy bronze decorations (called gilt-bronze mounts) made by Jacques Caffieri. This commode is now in the Wallace Collection in London.
- Medal Cabinet Commode (1739): This piece was a special cabinet designed to hold the king's medals. It was made for King Louis XV's private study at Versailles. Gaudreau followed a design given to him by the Slodtz brothers for this unique cabinet. It is now kept at the Bibliothèque Nationale (National Library) in Paris.
- Commode for Fontainebleau (1745): This chest of drawers, also called a commode à la Régence, was made for the Dauphine's apartment at the Château de Fontainebleau. The Dauphine was the wife of the king's son. This commode is now displayed at Versailles.
Other Royal Pieces
- Low Cupboard-Bookcase (1744): Gaudreau also made a low cupboard that served as a bookcase for the king's private study at Versailles.
- Bureau Plat: He also created a writing desk, known as a bureau plat, which is now kept in the Archives Nationales.
The "Dumb Waiter" Table
In 1735, Gaudreau made one of the first "dumb waiter" tables in France. This type of table, called a table servante, had different levels and special spots to keep wine cool. It was used for informal dinners where the king and his guests wanted to eat without many servants around. This table was delivered to Versailles.
Gaudreau's Workshop and Family
Gaudreau's workshop was located on rue Princesse in Paris. This was a bit away from where most other cabinetmakers had their shops. In 1744, he was chosen as the syndic (a leader) of the cabinetmakers' guild, which was called the Corporation des Menuisiers-Ébénistes.
After Antoine-Robert Gaudreau passed away, his son, François-Antoine Gaudreau (who died in 1751), took over his workshop for a short time. He also held the title of Ébéniste du Roi.
See also
In Spanish: Antoine Gaudreaux para niños
