Louis XV Commode "à la Grecque"

Rare and important rectangular marquetry chest of drawers. The front is divided into 3 rows of drawers with no visible crossbeam (the 3 in the waist simulating only one), veneered with rosewood marquetry in amaranth frames with simulated fluting and highlighted with green-tinted boxwood fillets. Finely chased bronze trim. Our commode is fully veneered on oak and topped with a thick pink marble with cavet. Parisian work from the very end of the Louis XV period, circa 1770.
Our commode is typical of the "à la Grecque" style fashioned by the Comtesse du Barry, with straight-lined furniture inspired by the Pompeii excavations and designed to make a complete break with the Rocaille style. Our chest of drawers is typical of these rare examples of Louis XV-period production in a style one might think Louis XVI, yet dating from the early 1770s. The lines are very straight, with only the rounded central projection reminiscent of the Louis XV style, and the thick marble. Our chest of drawers is interesting because it clearly belongs to the precursory productions, intended for high society eager for novelty and differentiation, characterized by a somewhat "radical" use of straight lines. Later, in the 1770s, the transitional Louis XVI Louis XVI style was democratized, harmoniously blending straight lines on the carcase with legs that were still Louis XV, to more gently accompany the change of style towards what would become the lighter Louis XVI style around 1780.

A fine piece of collector's furniture, interesting and rare for its precursory character. Alas, not stamped, this Parisian piece is closer to the work of Conrad Mauter.

In excellent condition, the chest of drawers has been entirely re-stamped by our cabinetmaker in accordance with the rules of the art. Imposing original pink marble, an old chip on the back right corner.
Excellent condition, the chest of drawers has been completely re-stamped by our cabinetmaker to the highest standards. Imposing original pink marble, an old chip on the back right corner.

Length 131cm
Depth 65.5cm on the side to 68cm in the middle
Height 91cm