Commode signed François Garnier

Beginning of the Louis XV period
Dimensions : H. 86 cm x W. 134 cm x D. 65 cm

This magnificent chest of drawers opens with four drawers on three rows. It is a rare model, close to the first commodes known as "tombeau", with generous curves on the front and on the sides. In the front, the movement is crossbow, but here the curve is also present in the vertical direction, which is not the case with traditional "crossbows". It is therefore a very curved chest of drawers that holds both of the two great classical models of the first part of the Louis XV period.

It is signed "FG" for François Garnier who held an essential place in the 2nd quarter of the 18th century. It is not yet strictly speaking a stamp, since this chest of drawers can be dated between 1730 and 1740, before Garnier was appointed juror of the corporation of cabinetmakers.

As usual, François Garnier chose to use a single veneer, violet wood; the quality of the latter is absolutely sublime, the regular veining and the "honey" color allowing a beautiful "Frisage" decoration. The veneer is of a very good thickness, and this chest of drawers suffers almost no phenomenon of "drilling" or replacings. The original bronze trim is unusual: Garnier commissioned original designs for the bronzes on this piece of furniture and had a powerful, richly openworked and chiseled trim made. The gilding was probably redone in the 19th century but it is of a remarkable quality.

The line of this chest of drawers is particularly successful. Relatively low for its width, the horizontality is reinforced by the brass fluting under the rows of drawers and between the inverted curves of the sides. This piece of furniture is topped with an original "Rance de Belgique" marble, of good quality as it is more red than grey. It has been fractured in several places but very well restored.

The prestigious signature of this chest of drawers is confirmed by the care given to the oak frame, and the fine insides of the drawers mounted with the finest walnut. The state of conservation of this chest is excellent and it has just been perfectly restored.