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The late 18th century French furniture tells a captivating tale of evolution and transition. Among its most illustrative pieces is the Transitional Louis XVI period French Marquetry Commode, stamped JME. This piece beautifully captures the shift from Rococo’s ornate whimsy to the Neoclassical’s stately refinement.
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the commode boasts a mottled white and red marble top with a gracefully shaped profile. This sturdy and luxurious top rests upon two drawers, adorned with stained floral marquetry — a nod to the Rococo’s love for nature and intricate detailing. The lacquered brass mounts, drop handles, and the presence of a key highlight the piece’s functionality while offering decorative elegance.
Yet, where this commode truly bridges the gap between Rococo and Neoclassicism is in its nuanced design elements. The rams head motifs on its corners, a frequent symbol in Neoclassical designs inspired by ancient civilizations, hints at the era’s affinity for classical antiquity. This is juxtaposed beautifully with the fielded panels on the sides, a vestige of the previous Rococo influence.
Perhaps most telling of the era’s transition are the commode’s cabriole legs. Synonymous with Rococo furniture, these curved, slender legs are a hallmark of the style’s playful and light-hearted aesthetic. However, the addition of the brass sabot at their terminus introduces a Neoclassical touch, lending an air of structure and solidity.
In essence, the Transitional Louis XVI period French Marquetry Commode stands as a microcosm of late 18th century France’s shifting design preferences. In its delicate balance of Rococo’s floral extravagance and Neoclassical’s staid motifs, it mirrors the societal transitions of the Ancien Régime, as France teetered on the brink of revolution and change.
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Stock Number: 13272
Telephone: +44 (0) 207 6920 897
£20,000
£1,650
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