A fine and unusually substantial French Louis-Philippe commode, dating to the mid-19th century, constructed in oak and richly veneered in figured mahogany. The shaped white marble top above a shallow frieze drawer and three broad drawers framed by moulded pilasters. A fifth drawer is discreetly concealed within the architectural plinth.
More elaborate than the typically restrained Louis-Philippe form, the façade is flanked by boldly carved and fluted uprights with foliate ornament, terminating in rounded feet. The highly figured mahogany veneer extends across the drawer fronts and sides, while the shaped marble follows the projecting corners of the case. A period-style key is retained to the upper drawer for use as a drawer pull; the locks are no longer functioning.
A surviving French shipping label documents the commode at Montreuil-sur-Mer in northern France. The provincial town is famously the setting for an important part of Victor Hugo's Les Misérables, written during the same period in which this commode was made, Hugo having spent time in the town in the late 1830s.
In excellent antique condition, retaining a particularly attractive old surface, recently cleaned and conserved while preserving the variations in colour, minor marks, wear and patina accumulated through use. The marble presents very well with attractive natural grey veining and minor age-appropriate wear.
France, circa 1840.
Dimensions: 98cm tall, 122cm wide, 56 cm deep.
$350 flat-rate delivery available for Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne Metropolitan areas. Contact us to arrange inspection or collection by appointment from Teneriffe, Queensland.
A fine and unusually substantial French Louis-Philippe commode, dating to the mid-19th century, constructed in oak and richly veneered in figured mahogany. The shaped white marble top above a shallow frieze drawer and three broad drawers framed by moulded pilasters. A fifth drawer is discreetly concealed within the architectural plinth.
More elaborate than the typically restrained Louis-Philippe form, the façade is flanked by boldly carved and fluted uprights with foliate ornament, terminating in rounded feet. The highly figured mahogany veneer extends across the drawer fronts and sides, while the shaped marble follows the projecting corners of the case. A period-style key is retained to the upper drawer for use as a drawer pull; the locks are no longer functioning.
A surviving French shipping label documents the commode at Montreuil-sur-Mer in northern France. The provincial town is famously the setting for an important part of Victor Hugo's Les Misérables, written during the same period in which this commode was made, Hugo having spent time in the town in the late 1830s.
In excellent antique condition, retaining a particularly attractive old surface, recently cleaned and conserved while preserving the variations in colour, minor marks, wear and patina accumulated through use. The marble presents very well with attractive natural grey veining and minor age-appropriate wear.
France, circa 1840.
Dimensions: 98cm tall, 122cm wide, 56 cm deep.
$350 flat-rate delivery available for Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne Metropolitan areas. Contact us to arrange inspection or collection by appointment from Teneriffe, Queensland.