French Louis XVI Style Parquetry & Bronze Antique Armoire Wardrobe Ca. 1880

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Description

LOUIS XVI STYLE PARQUETRY-INLAID ORMOLU MOUNTED ONE-DOOR ARMOIRE
Paris, France circa 1880 | lock stamped "B & P Paris", back … Read more LOUIS XVI STYLE PARQUETRY-INLAID ORMOLU MOUNTED ONE-DOOR ARMOIRE
Paris, France circa 1880 | lock stamped "B & P Paris", back of one mount stamped "L.P."
Item # 403BDA14P

This exquisite Louis XVI style armoire is a picture of the high precision cabinetwork the French ébénistes of the 19th century were capable of producing. Crafted in Paris in the last years of the 19th century, the cabinet is finished on the top with an original marble top shaped to conform to the cabinet profile. This is raised by a thin crown of egg-and-dart molding over a repeating greek-key border executed in solid brass.

The front door is a brilliant display of parquetry inlay work, an extraordinarily complicated arrangement that comes together flawlessly: the kingwood veneer ground is set diagonally while being bookmatched down the center to create symmetry - a form that is more fully developed in the sides of the case where these diagonal veneers are set into rectilinear and square panels for greater effect. This surrounds a rosewood and stringer-inlaid border encasing a latticework of rosewood astragals over squared lighter hue woods. The application of the veneers is so convincingly executed - note the curves of the rosewood inlays where the grain of the wood twists to create spirals that appear to layer upon one another. In the center of the door is a large ormolu mount of a Neoclassical urn with bacchus masks on either side raised over a pierced footer embellished by foliage.

This door opens using only a key, as there is no knob or pull hardware to allow access to the space. The interior is a very spacious and simple arrangement that allows clothing to be hung while valuables and smalls are stored in the cupboard at the top. No keys are presently available for the door or the interior cupboard, but if locking the armoire is important than having keys fabricated is never terribly difficult.

The lock is marked on the inside by the fabricator "B & P Paris", while one fo the rosette mounts on the corners of the cabinet is marked "L.P."

A magnificent example of Parisian craftsmanship from the late 19th century, this is a very fine armoire of ideal dimensions for both function and aesthetically. Unlike so many armoires and wardrobes that dominate and overwhelm a room or require unusually tall ceilings in order to scale properly, this cabinet was made with a smaller space in mind. While it still has a full depth for hanging clothes at just under 26" in overall depth, the inward curves of the sides and restrained height make it a very good size for even smaller rooms.


Measurements: 69 1/8" H x 25 7/8" D x 41" W (approx)

Condition Report:
Very fine original condition. Old surface remains vibrant and bright throughout, an exceedingly fine presentation; use indicators of the historical surface include expected general wear, discolorations, light staining, minor chipping and trace scuffing. Brass throughout is tarnished. Original marble top. Working lock, but no working key available for the door or for the interior cabinet - the key that ships with the cabinet is simply in place to make opening and closing the cabinet easy. Board at the bottom of the armoire replaced. Ready to place. See less