Regence Chest Of Drawers Known As "parisian" In Walnut, Circa 1730–1740

Regence chest of drawers known as "Parisian" in walnut, circa 1730–1740 Elegant and authentic Parisian Regence chest of drawers, made around 1730–1740, in solid walnut. It is distinguished by a very slightly curved crossbow front, a subtle and sought-after shape that testifies to refined craftsmanship. This is a rare model with five drawers, with three drawers of the same dimensions in the belt, which gives the front a homogeneous, balanced and symmetrical reading. This arrangement is less common than the classic distribution with two drawers visible on the upper row, and it accentuates the elegant sobriety specific to the Regence aesthetic. Structure, sculpture and materials: The furniture has a slightly curved structure on the front, with drawer fronts carved from the mass according to a principle of excavation. The carpenter has hollowed out curved cavities with a gouge, drawing patterns called "chapels", each facade is also framed by a quarter-round molding. The molded front uprights are rounded in plan and straight in elevation, the right sides are paneled in gendarme hat. The top, sober made of walnut board, is molded with a scotie profile, typical of the Regency period, more discreet than the bec de corbin and in keeping with the lightness of the general curve. We note on the top an old circular stain surely corresponding to a mark of vases. Construction according to Parisian practices: Solid walnut for all the main parts: top, front uprights, crosspieces, side panels and drawer fronts, Oak for the side crosspieces and rear uprights, the drawer boxes and the back of the furniture composed of small panels and intermediate uprights, corresponds to a characteristic assembly of Parisian productions, which can be found on sideboards and wardrobes stamped by masters such as Duval, Gosselin or Hédouin. The intermediate floors on which the drawers slide as well as the floor are in fir. Bronze fittings and locks: The chest of drawers is decorated with gilded bronzes of fine quality. The six pull handles, old but later, are in the Louis XV style. Originally, the chest of drawers must have had bronze drop handles, called "mobile", as was the custom between 1720 and 1740. The three central keyholes are original, finely chiseled in a Regency spirit. The two side lock entries on the belt are also period, although one has been replaced. The wrought iron locks are all authentic, with the exception of the missing one on the top right drawer. The central drawer works with a bronze head key, which also serves as a grip. Restoration and finishing: The chest of drawers has undergone careful restoration work. We removed an old varnish finish that masked the carved details, and carried out an old-fashioned wax finish, restoring the walnut to its full nobility. The piece of furniture now has a superb warm and even patina, which highlights the volumes and lines of the piece of furniture. During its history, this piece of furniture has undergone some restorations, these were carried out according to the rules of the art, here they are detailed: Lower front crosspiece redone, Graft on the right rear upright, Graft on the back of the top, Some small grafts on drawers and uprights. Dimensions: Width: 127.5 cm Depth: 60.5 cm Height: 83 cm