19th Century Swedish Gustavian Style Painted Wood Chest with Reeded Accents

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A Swedish Gustavian style painted wood chest from the 19th century with two drawers, carved reeded accents, swag hardware, marbleized … Read more A Swedish Gustavian style painted wood chest from the 19th century with two drawers, carved reeded accents, swag hardware, marbleized top and tapered legs. Created in Sweden during the 19th century, this painted wood chest showcases the stylistic characteristics of the Gustavian era. The chest features a rectangular faux marble top sitting above two drawers carved with reeded motifs. They are fitted with Classical brass hardware depicting elegant swags and are flanked with fluted side posts. Their dovetail construction reveals the piece's age. The sides are made of plain panels and the back is, of course, unfinished. The ensemble is raised on four tapered feet with fluted motifs, connected to one another through discreetly carved spandrels. The chest is painted in a soft color typical of the Swedish taste for light palettes, aiming at brightening the rooms during the long and dark Scandinavian winters.
The Gustavian style takes its roots in the Louis XVI era. Swedish King Gustav III resided in 1771 in Paris, at the beginning stages of the Louis XVI style. There, he was inspired by French art and fashion. With that in his luggage, he had a strong desire to introduce something similar in Sweden. The country had fine craftsmen with high quality craftsmanship, who produced a simple style with harmonious aesthetics. The Gustavian style was born and has been in vogue ever since. It is incredibly popular, especially in England but also in France and in the USA. Price and age are of course inextricably linked, the older and rarer, the higher the price!
With its clean lines and delicately carved décor, this Swedish Gustavian style 19th century two-drawer chest will make for a lovely addition to any home, placed in a bedroom or living room! See less