Offered by Galerie Delvaille
French furniture of the 18th century & French figurative paintings
Paris circa 1750
L.130cm W.62cm H.89cm
This chest of drawers, generously curved on all three sides, features a floral inlay and opens to two drawers without a crossbar. The volumes and curves of the legs are perfectly proportioned and balanced. The quality of execution of the oak frame and drawer interiors, and the richness and precision of the marquetry, attest to the work of a great Parisian master during the Rocaille period of Louis XV, in the middle of the 18th century.
The chasing of the bronzes is particularly elaborate. The ornamentation is abundant, with superb and original openwork patterns. The falls and sabots are joined by a line of bronze with floral motifs of great finesse. The handles and escutcheons are remarkable. The restored marble top is original; it is a rare vein, most probably from Italy, with a wide variety of brown, gray, garnet and yellow colors.
The exceptional character of this commode lies in the richness and quality of the marquetry. A profusion of flowers, organized around a basket in the center of the front, is found inside the curved reserves. The “two drawers without a crossbar” technique creates a single panel on the front, which is repeated on the sides with the same virtuosity by the cabinetmaker. The richness of the woods used is impressive. The exterior reserves are made of top-quality violet wood. Inside the pannel, the backgrounds are in rosewood, and the plant motifs are composed of sycamore, satinwood, boxwood fillets and various fruit woods stained green and pale red. The exceptional condition of this marquetry is noteworthy, with the colors still very much in evidence; the engraving of the flowers further enhances their realism, and its fine condition is also to be commended.
This piece has just been expertly restored by a leading cabinetmaker, over 200 hours of work having been spent on it. Most of the marquetry has been removed to perfectly restore the frame and glue back the veneer after restoration. The buffer varnish is of the highest quality and will ensure the long-lasting condition of the piece. Although these operations have been very important, they are only restorations for use and maintenance.
