Period: 18th century

SOLD The main characteristics of a Louis XVI chest of drawers are its straight, simpler, sober, and geometric line inspired by Greco-Roman classicism; the composure of geometric shapes is therefore opposed to the whimsical, bizarre, and complex volutes of the rococo style. Simpler and more sober, but always of refined execution in the minute details, the Louis XVI style is characteristic for the geometric rigor of the ornament and for the clarity of the volumes of the furniture. This is a Louis XVI chest of drawers inlaid and threaded in walnut, rosewood, bois de rose, and walnut interiors, measuring 120 x 90 x 60 cm, from the second half of the 18th century, with a linear structure and a refinement of the inlays that lead back to the Maggiolini workshop. In the two lower drawers, the separation is not highlighted, thus creating a large mirror with the dark and glossy splendor of walnut with the fishbone veneer. On this, a rectangular frame with a repetitive leaf motif encloses a circle with a large scene with mythological characters. In the drawer under the top, the decoration emphasizes its horizontality. A frame similar to that of the two drawers but of smaller proportions closes a decoration consisting of angels who rhythm pearl festoons, holding floral motifs. The same frame is found on the sides where it frames other mythological characters with a beautiful interplay of woods between walnut, rosewood, and bois de rose that give color and warmth to the furniture itself, while on the horizontal top a theme perfectly identical to the two lower central drawers with mythological characters represented in the same form and with the same woods, absolutely unusual and very fine, is made with great care and elegance. The tapered legs have a phytomorphic motif on the four sides, inserted in a frame that emphasizes its shape; the dado stands out dark and without decoration, but laterally has a fine decorative curl executed only for the most important chests of drawers. Looking at it in its essence, it appears to us as a truly refined chest of drawers, warm in colors and optimally united in the construction of the woods; to this we add the unique, almost unrepeatable inlay despite the large amount of Louis XVI dressers on the market that make it special and differentiate it from the mass precisely for these delicate and fine details that enhance its appearance and its elegance. The dresser, in perfect condition, comes from a private home. The paintings and art objects published here are my exclusive property and consequently are always available to be viewed in person, by appointment, in my exhibition locations located in Sanremo and Brescia. The work, like all our objects, is sold accompanied by a FIMA photographic certificate of authenticity and lawful provenance; this document identifies the object, adding value to the article. We personally take care of and organize the packaging and shipping of works of art with insurance worldwide. Dr. Riccardo Moneghini Art Historian