Uzès Wardrobe

Uzès armoire in polychrome painted wood on its three sides with a black background. Each of the two doors is decorated with three fretted reserves decorated with animated landscapes with waterfalls and painted scenes of Italian inspiration. These cartouches are framed by scrolls of flowers and foliage. The frame of the armoire takes up this natural theme: flowers and foliage are represented in a wide range of colors. The piece is enhanced with touches of gold. The sides painted with yellow threads reproducing elements of brass and copper are reminiscent of the influence of Boulle marquetry on this type of armoire. According to Edith Mannoni, a specialist in Provençal furniture, the bouquets of multi-colored flowers also draw their inspiration from Boulle's creations. The Uzès armoires would therefore be inspired by both Italian and French decors. A monogram at the top in the center of stylized and intertwined initials refers to the supposed function of the Uzès armoire to hold the trousseau of young brides. The interior with four shelves is lined with wallpaper as was customary on the few existing Uzès armoires. Although we do not 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 of Uzès houses a superb organ which has the particularity of being painted. Having preserved its original shutters, we can appreciate its gray and gold tones. Uzès region, Gard, second half of the 18th century.