Uzès wardrobe

Uzès cabinet in polychrome painted wood on its three sides with a black background.

Each of the two doors is decorated with three scrolled reserves decorated with animated landscapes with waterfalls and painted scenes of Italian inspiration. These cartridges are framed by scrolls of flowers and foliage.

The frame of the cabinet takes up this natural theme: flowers and foliage are represented in a vast palette of colors. The room is enhanced with touches of gold.

The sides painted with yellow nets reproducing elements of brass and copper are reminiscent of the influence of Boulle marquetry on this type of cabinet. According to Edith Mannoni, a specialist in Provençal furniture, the bouquets of multicolored flowers also draw their inspiration from Boulle's creations. The Uzès cabinets would therefore be inspired by both Italian and French decor.

A monogram at the top in the center of stylized and intertwined initials refers to the supposed function of the Uzès wardrobe to accommodate the trousseau of young brides.

The interior with four shelves is lined with wallpaper as was customary on the few existing Uzès cabinets.

Although we don't know for sure why this type of furniture is called "Uzès Armoire", a particularity present in the city can give us a clue. Indeed, the Saint-Théodorit cathedral in Uzès houses a superb organ which has the specificity of being painted. Having retained its original shutters, we can appreciate its gray and gold tones.

Uzès region, Gard, second half of the 18th century.