Antique 19th Century Empire Figured Mahogany Six-Drawer Chest With Columnar Supports Circa 1830–1850

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Description

A handsome early 19th-century figured mahogany chest of drawers, distinguished by beautifully selected veneers, architectural proportions, and a particularly attractive … Read more A handsome early 19th-century figured mahogany chest of drawers, distinguished by beautifully selected veneers, architectural proportions, and a particularly attractive warm, honeyed surface developed through generations of use.
The rectangular projecting top rests above a substantial figured mahogany frieze and a bank of six drawers arranged as two smaller drawers over four full-width drawers. Each drawer retains handsome turned wood pulls and is punctuated by a small contrasting keyhole escutcheon.
The case is framed by a pair of elegant turned and tapering columnar supports, lending the chest the architectural quality associated with the Empire and late Classical furniture of the 1830s and 1840s. A projecting plinth completes the composition.
What makes this chest especially appealing is the wood itself. The figured mahogany across the top, frieze, and drawer fronts catches the light beautifully, giving what is otherwise a restrained classical form considerable movement and warmth. The mellow surface and variations in color are precisely what one hopes to find in an antique that has been allowed to age rather than being aggressively refinished.
A wonderful statement chest for a bedroom, entry hall, living room or library, and equally effective juxtaposed against contemporary furnishings.
Period: Circa 1830–1850
Origin: Anglo-American, likely English or American
Style: Empire / Classical / Early Victorian
Materials: Mahogany and figured mahogany veneer; turned wood pulls
Configuration: Six drawers — two short over four long drawers
48"h x 51"w x 24"d See less