Exceptional Marquetry Ormolu-mounted Tomb Shaped Commode 

An exceptional tomb-shaped chest of drawers with marquetry of ash burl, walnut burl, walnut, cherry, hornbeam, or acacia. The chest rests on four small feet adorned with gilt bronze, imitating hooves. The front feet are topped with flat, curved posts inlaid with foliage, diamond patterns, and frames. The chest opens with five drawers arranged in three rows. The central drawer locks the side drawers with latches. The drawers are decorated with geometric patterns, foliage, and flowers. The front and sides are curved with contours highlighted by marquetry skirts featuring acanthus leaves and fleur-de-lys decorations on each side. The top of the chest is wooden with rich marquetry decor. An impressive bouquet of various flowers, including lily of the valley with ivory or bone inlay, is presented under a canopy at the center of the composition. Ribbons frame it, and acanthus leaves are where two birds are perched. The four corners of the top are also adorned with bouquets tied with a ribbon. The top consists of geometric patterns, frames, and foliage.
The chest is adorned with ormolu bronze mounts in hooves, drawer handles with valet figure ornaments, and lock escutcheons with stylized marine animals.
Probably Dutch work

Early 18th century, Late Régence period
Customary restorations

H. 82 x W. 130 x D. 72 cm

With its size, shape, and décor, this impressive chest of drawers cannot leave anyone indifferent. The top of the chest is a masterpiece where geometric shapes, foliage, flower bouquets, and birds are perfectly orchestrated. The cabinetmaker skillfully played with different types of wood, maximizing their aesthetic characteristics and textures, as seen in the use of burl. This burl, used as a background, highlights the composition's complexity and blends seamlessly with the rest of the décor as if it were designed and crafted like the rest of the marquetry (even though it is a natural pattern). Our eyes get lost and delighted by charming details like the compositions of the four different bouquets at the corners, immediately drawn to the bird holding a small white flower in its beak.

The shape of the chest is also noteworthy, first for its extraordinary depth (72 cm) and especially for the play of curves and counter-curves alternating between the drawers, the front posts, and even the sides. This is a true technical feature. Thus, the chest is never perceived as heavy but as an essential piece in the interior. Every detail was considered, such as the fluting that separates the drawers and adds lightness, the small valet figures chosen for the drawer handles, and the amusing hooves on the feet. This is a high-quality chest, evident even when opening the three upper drawers, where the central drawer locks, allowing the other two drawers to close simultaneously in a single movement.