Baroque Chest of Drawers in Walnut, 1900

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A bombé commode in the baroque/rococo style, crafted around 1900 from solid walnut. The curved bombé shape with its three-dimensional … Read more A bombé commode in the baroque/rococo style, crafted around 1900 from solid walnut. The curved bombé shape with its three-dimensional rocaille ornamentation lends the piece a balanced and harmonious appearance. Historical context: bombé commodes with curved forms trace their origins to the furniture tradition of the french rococo and were reproduced in numerous regions of europe during the 19th and early 20th centuries, exhibiting varying degrees of craftsmanship. They served as prestigious storage furniture in aristocratic and upper-middle-class homes, typically in bedrooms or reception rooms. The elaborate carving and bronze fittings reflect the ambition to create functional furniture that also expresses high design quality. Features: convex, bulbous side panels with relief rocaille carving at the corners. The upper drawer appears to be divided into two fronts, but is structurally a single, continuous drawer. Design: baroque/rococo style, circa 1900. Curved c and s lines characterize the front, sides, and legs. A central shell motif on the base and openwork, foliate-like bronze fittings emphasize the decorative language of this style. The legs are cabriole-shaped and terminate in volute feet. Function: formerly: storage of linens and personal items in formal living rooms. Today: versatile storage and decorative furniture for living rooms, bedrooms, or entryways. Dimensions: height 84 cm × width 105–115 cm × depth 51 cm. Material and condition: solid walnut. Well-preserved with age-related wear, polished finish with visible luster, bronzed fittings with patina. Surfaces inspected and gently reworked, structurally checked, stable and functionally reliable. See less