Louis XV's Lacquer Commode

Louis XV received this commode in 1744 and immediately placed it at Choisy - one of his favourite residences. The commode is the work of Antoine-Robert Gaudreaus who had used screens with Japanese lacquer from the collection of Louis XIV himself. The top is of red marble.

Louis XVI moved the commode from Choisy to Saint-Cloud where Madame Elisabeth had the honour of showcasing the commode in her apartment. Later, it was moved into the chambers of Marie Antoinette but it remained at Saint-Cloud. Today, it has been brought to Versailles where it takes a dominant place in Madame Victoire's bedroom.

               

Choisy Commode

Originally, this commode was intended for the King's apartments at the château de Choisy. It was the work of Antoine-Robert Gaudreaus who was the royal cabinet-maker until his death in 1746. Actually, this commode was finished just two years prior to his death.

The style is another example of the fondness for Japanese lacquer though this one was created in Paris.

At the death of Louis XV the commode was handed over to Louis XVI who had it transported from Choisy to Saint-Cloud. First it was placed in the apartment of Madame Adélaïde only to be transferred to that of Marie Antoinette. Currently, the commode is located in Madame Victoire's apartment at Versailles.

The Astronomical Clock

One of the more spectacular pieces of furniture in Louis XV's collection is without doubt this magnificent astronomical clock. The clock is the result of a combined working effort between Claude-Simeon Passemant (design), Louis Dauthiau (mechanism) and Jacques and Philippe Caffiéri (case).

Besides being an imposing mechanism, the clock also shows the phases of the moon, planetary movements according to Copernicus, real time, average time and the date. The crystal globe above the clock itself contains a bronze globe with the main cities engraved; surrounding the little earth are waterfalls and rocks. The size alone is astonishing, measuring over 2 metres in height. The clock is made in such a manner as to continue to tell the date until the year of 9999.

In 1749 the clock was brought before the prestigious Academy of Sciences which decided to approve the clock.
The Duc de Chaulnes had the honour of presenting the clock to Louis XV at Choisy on 7 September 1750. Immediately, the King had it installed in his private apartments and eventually the room it occupied became known as "the Clock Room".