Louis XV Marquetry Dresser | Transitional Style | France, early 19TH Century

Not many styles have held such influence through the centuries as that of Louis XV. This period reinvigorated French furniture and breathed new life into the older Baroque style. Rocaille and coquille, the French words for rock and shell respectively, were the primary motifs used to decorate furniture and other pieces at the time. One thing that the King of France spent a great deal of state spending on was the decorative arts. His endowments are one reason why Louis XV furniture reached the caliber of quality and beauty. Lavish ornamentation ensured no surface was left bare. Artists primarily used complicated bronze, ormolu, and carved fixtures. The marquetry on commode drawers was often decorated “sans traverse,” which is a French term for a specific decorating style which describes an continuous design on all drawers. Featuring 2 full-sized drawers, 3 smaller drawers, a natural stone top, brass hardware, dovetail joinery, and intricate veneer inlays, every detail of this piece reflects a dedication to exquisite craftsmanship. The dresser is adorned with elaborate marquetry, showcasing a central flower basket surrounded by elegant herringbone designs, creating a harmonious balance of texture and pattern. The natural stone top crowns the chest with understated elegance, while the finely chased bronze mounts, including sabots and escutcheons, add a touch of gilded luxury. The intricate dovetail joinery underscores its impeccable construction, ensuring durability to match its beauty. This chest not only embodies the grandeur and sophistication of it’s design but also offers functional elegance, making it a masterpiece of artful ornamentation in every aspect. Dimensions: 42.5ʺW × 19.5ʺD × 33ʺH