Louis XV Walnut Chest of Drawers, 1900s

Details

Description

This commode was created around 1900 in the Louis XV style, incorporating the curved forms and rocaille ornamentation of the … Read more This commode was created around 1900 in the Louis XV style, incorporating the curved forms and rocaille ornamentation of the French Rococo. The convex front, splayed legs, and sculpted corner cartouches create a dynamic yet balanced appearance, whose proportions remain serene despite the rich detailing. Historical Context: In early 18th-century France, the commode evolved into a prestigious storage piece, replacing the older chest. It served to store textiles and linens in living rooms and reception rooms, combining storage with aesthetic appeal. In the Louis XV style, curved lines, convex body shapes, and gilded or bronze fittings characterized its appearance. Around 1900, such historicist forms were revived and produced for bourgeois homes. Design: The design follows the Louis XV style with a serpentine, convex front and a curved, openwork frame. The three-dimensional acanthus carving at the corners and the finely cast rocaille fittings articulate the surface, while the splayed legs continue the downward movement of the front. Despite the rich ornamentation, the design remains formally cohesive. Function: Originally used for storing linens and textiles in living rooms and reception areas, this chest of drawers is now suitable as storage furniture in living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways. Dimensions: Height 88 cm × Width 55 cm × Depth 99 cm. Material and Condition: Solid and veneered walnut. Good condition commensurate with its age, stable and solid, with visible veneer grain and a subtle patina. Signs of age and use are part of its historical character. Professionally inspected and refurbished by Kastellan, cleaned and treated appropriately for the material, structurally checked, and confirmed to be stable and fully functional. See less