18th Century Baroque German Chest of Drawers, 1770

Details

Description

Baroque chest of drawers

southern germany
walnut
second half of the 18th century

dimensions: h x w x d: 84 … Read more Baroque chest of drawers

southern germany
walnut
second half of the 18th century

dimensions: h x w x d: 84 x 121 x 67 cm

:
a baroque chest of drawers with three drawers, standing on tapered legs.

the drawer fronts are framed by a border of diagonally laid walnut veneer. The fittings are shown to particular advantage within the panels of darker burl walnut, which are delineated by a light-coloured scrollwork border. The sides of the piece are each divided by a panel framed by light-coloured thread inlays. The design of the top panel follows the veneer pattern of the sides.

the three original cabinet locks have been preserved; one original key is present, and two further keys have been replicated. The fittings were added during a previous restoration.

the 67 cm stated above is measured at the deepest point. At the edge of the body, the depth is 59 cm.

interesting facts:
the chest of drawers is one of the most significant developments in modern furniture. This type of furniture evolved from the chest, which for centuries was the most important piece of storage furniture in europe. Whilst the contents of a chest were only accessible by opening the lid, a need arose during the 17th century for a more organised and convenient form of storage. The chest of drawers eventually developed from a combination of a chest and drawers arranged one above the other.
the drawers allowed for the orderly storage of clothing, linen and personal items. At the same time, the front surface provided the ideal canvas for intricate veneer work and ornate fittings.
as a result, the chest of drawers became not only a practical piece of furniture but also a prestigious item of furnishings.

condition:
refurbished and suitable for everyday use. The surface has been refreshed with shellac and subsequently given a matt finish with wax.

you can find similar chests of drawers in the specialist literature:
uwe dobler - barock-möbel from p. 149 See less