Buffet from France in the Louis XVI style. This piece is made of solid wood construction, primarily mahogany. It has been ebonized and finished with a lustrous French polish of museum-quality. There are four hand-carved and dovetailed drawers above four hand-carved doors. The doors open to interior wood shelving. The doors and drawers showcase finely cast gilt brass pulls and escutcheons. The doors have working locks and three keys. This piece is supported by turned, tapered legs. It is in very nice antique condition – the photos accurately depict the condition.
Louis XVI Style refers to the style defined by the period in France under the reign of King Louis XVI (1760-1789) — the last French monarch before the Revolution. Inspired by the discoveries of Pompeii and Herculaneum, this era saw a revival of Greek and Roman styles. There was a sharp movement away from the Rococo style, as curved lines and heavy ornamentation became unfashionable, giving way to clean, straight lines. Restrained, geometrical forms were preferred and stylized references to classical Greek architecture were recaptured. Furniture and interiors were refined, sophisticated, calm and symmetrical.