Provencal Commode Of The Type

Rectangular in shape, overhanging top curved in front, opening with two drawers, console legs on shoe runners, low crosspiece scalloped and carved in the center with a scallop shell, side panels with large symmetrical "arched" molded cutout indicating a work from the beginning of the 18th century, period bronzes but brought back. The rarity of this chest of drawers lies in the different molding of the two drawers: Fancy fretwork for the top drawer; rigorous and classic in its simplicity for the bottom drawer. We also notice a whole engraved work of braces and flowers comparable to the repair technique used in gilding in the 'plate', before the laying of the gold leaf; which suggests that originally this chest of drawers could be lacquered and partly gilded. See as an example the chest of drawers in green lacquer and gold repair from the Château de Barbentane near Avignon. (Attached photo taken from the book "Art de vivre en Provence" by Pierre Deux, Edition Flammarion pag 57) Our chest of drawers exudes a most remarkable harmony and originality; A majestic elegance due to the balance of its large, generous proportions: thus giving it an absolutely exceptional beauty and charm.