French second Renaissance walnut dresser or credence

PERIOD: LATE 16th, CIRCA 1560-1580

ORIGIN: SOUTHWESTERN FRANCE

Height : 143 cm
Width : 112 cm
Depth : 50 cm

Ligh-coloured walnut
Light and dark coloured wood marquetry
Excellent conservation


This architectural piece of furniture has a beautiful four doric columns entablature on which stands the main body with two folding doors and two drawers. The dresser is close to the designs Jacques Androuet du Cerceau published around 1550 with its use of architecture proper to Ile-de-France region.
Presenting a medieval strcucture its decor is characteristic of Henri II era with geometrical motifs and thick moulded console frieze. The doric columns appear thickened to match the upper body massive scale.
The use of contrasting colours woods speaks about a southern influence and reminds us the work of Nicolas Bachelier, a Toulouse artist working in Rome with Michelangelo whose furnitures are adorned with similar marquetry work.
This dresser appears exceptional both because of its expression of two Renaissance french schools and because of its conservation its handling and its golden glow.


Bibliography
Le mobilier. Alfred de Champeaux. 1884
Le mobilier domestique. Nicole de Reynier, au CNMH.
Le mobilier français du Moyen-Age à la Renaissance. J. Boccador. Editions Monelle Ayot. 1975