Pair of 19th Century French Louis XVI Gilt-Bronze & Parquetry Marble-Top Semainiers

Details

Description

Pair of 19th Century French Louis XVI Gilt-Bronze & Parquetry Marble-Top Semainiers
An elegant and unusually decorative matched pair of … Read more Pair of 19th Century French Louis XVI Gilt-Bronze & Parquetry Marble-Top Semainiers
An elegant and unusually decorative matched pair of French Louis XVI Revival semainiers, dating to the late 19th century, circa 1880–1900.
Each tall, architectural chest is fitted with seven drawers—the traditional French semainier arrangement associated with one drawer for each day of the week. The drawer fronts display beautifully matched chevron-pattern veneers framed by delicate line inlay, complemented by large gilt-bronze laurel-wreath ring pulls and decorative escutcheons.
The slender cases are further embellished with finely cast Neoclassical gilt-bronze mounts incorporating foliate, ribbon and laurel motifs. Fluted corner stiles emphasize the vertical proportions, while the sides are particularly handsome, displaying broad panels of carefully matched chevron veneer.
Each chest is surmounted by a richly figured shaped marble top in warm rose, cream and burgundy tones, providing a dramatic contrast to the warm reddish-brown cabinetry and aged gilt-bronze mounts.
At approximately 51 inches tall, the unusually narrow proportions make these semainiers exceptionally useful today as a matched pair of bedroom chests, flanking pieces, or decorative storage cabinets where floor space is limited.
A particularly desirable find as a true matched pair—far less commonly encountered than individual French semainiers.
Origin: France
Period: Late 19th century, circa 1880–1900
Style: Louis XVI Revival / French Neoclassical
Materials: Mahogany and decorative wood veneers, gilt bronze, marble
Height: 51 inches each See less