Moving Table With Mechanism Stamped Rvlc And Roussel

This small side table in mahogany and mahogany veneer opens with two drawers on the front joined together by a twisted and beaded gilded bronze frame. While the top drawer normally opens with a beaded medallion lock highlighted with foliage, the bottom drawer opens with an ingenious pull mechanism positioned underneath towards the right front legs. 

A second internal push button mechanism placed between the two drawers allows, by pressure, to open a leaf on each side framed by a twisted and beaded gilded bronze net, revealing three oblique-shaped oak drawers with blue velvet interior.

This type of mechanism is a remarkable innovation integrated with precision and discretion that the greatest cabinetmakers of the 18th century could use for high-quality furniture. 

This particularity makes this piece of furniture a refined piece of great value which is enhanced by several pieces of finely chiseled and openwork gilded bronze, such as the scraps decorated with quivers and torches topped with a tied ribbon and highlighted with a foliage bouquet. 

The simulated fluted legs in stained sycamore are surrounded by a stylized ring in the upper part and finished with gilded bronze shoes. 

The ovoid-shaped top is topped with veined white marble surrounded by an openwork gallery in gilded bronze. 

This small Louis XVI period piece of furniture is stamped RVLC and ROUSSEL in the drawers. 

It bears witness to the collaboration between two very renowned masters of French cabinetmaking.

 This mechanical system, both functional and aesthetic, illustrates the technical virtuosity of its creators.Roger Vandercruse, known as La Croix (1727-1799) and Pierre Roussel (1723-1782) are among the greatest French cabinetmakers of the 18th century. 
Their marquetry is always very refined, the choice of wood always of high quality. 

RVLC was particularly renowned for excelling in the art of transforming furniture, incorporating secret drawers and compartments simulated by various mechanisms; Roussel particularly prized for the perfect finish of its furniture and the great ornamental richness.

This small table combines the strong points of these two masters, combining technical mastery, functionality and decorative richness. 
This type of furniture illustrates the importance of furniture as a work of art in the 18th century.

Dimensions: H 74 cm x W 54.5 cm x D 35.5 cm