Petite chest of drawers from France in the Louis XVI Style. This piece is circa 1880. It is made of solid cherry wood with two dovetailed drawers. Each drawer features two cast brass pulls shaped like wreaths. Each drawer also has brass hardware with a detail of a bow, though keys are not included. The drawers have ebonized inlay. The chest is supported by four tapered legs with hand carved detail on the front two. It has been finished with a lustrous French polish of museum-quality. We love the versatility of the size and the elegance of the craftsmanship. It is in excellent antique condition – the photos accurately depict the condition of the chest.
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.