Tombeau chest of drawers attributed to Mathieu Criaerd

Chest of drawers in rosewood marquetry, strongly curved on the front as well as on the sides.

The chest of drawers opens on the front with four drawers. The three rows are separated by brass flutes.

Rich and fine ornamentation of chiseled and gilded bronzes. Drops of espagnolette on the uprights, opulent keyholes, drooping pull handles with chimeras and lion's muzzle on the apron.
Grooved royal red marble top.

Although not stamped, this chest of drawers presents all the characteristics of Mathieu Criaerd's work. The shapes of his tomb chests of drawers are particularly eventful. The veneer is plain and highlights a particularly sought-after and developed ornamentation of bronzes. The bronzes are gilded and we find in the work of Criaerd the handles with dragons or chimeras as well as the same keyholes. The rows of drawers are separated by brass grooves and are found individually on each side of the chest of drawers. The master cabinetmaker also regularly chooses royal red marble for his tomb-shaped chests of drawers.

Mathieu Criaerd is one of the most illustrious cabinetmakers of the 18th century. His chests of drawers were present in illustrious residences such as the Château de Choisy or Louvigny. Today some of his works are kept in the Louvre. Note that he also worked for several merchant-mercers like Oeben.

Work from the Louis XV period attributed to Mathieu Criaerd. Original bronzes and locks.