Important Louis XVI Style Mahogany And Gilt Bronze Chest Of Drawers

Antique French Louis XVI style chest of drawers mounted on gilt bronze after Benneman French, Early 20th century Height 93 cm, width 179 cm, depth 69 cm This remarkable chest of drawers was made after a design by Joseph Stockel (1743-1802) and Guillaume Benneman (1750-after 1811) for Marie-Antoinette's Salon des Jeux at Fontainebleau. A large tray in "Brèche d'Alep" marble. A marble known since Antiquity, Brèche d'Alep was extracted in the commune of Tholonet in the Bouches-du-Rhône from 1712, then in Beaurecueil in 1735 and in Saint-Antonin in 1756. On a yellow background, Brèche d'Alep is composed of large rounded fragments of brown, gray, red or black. This Brèche d'Alep was widely used in the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as at the beginning of the 20th century, particularly for furniture tops (chests of drawers, pedestal tables, tables) and fireplaces. Below is a large frieze filled with three lockable drawers, all framed by elegant gilt bronze borders as well as more decorative mounts. The central drawer has a sumptuous lion-shaped escutcheon. The largest panel decorating the front of the chest features a gilt bronze medallion depicting the childhood of Bacchus, the Roman god of wine. This, along with the two side medallions, The central illustration is framed by a plethora of gilt bronze mounts inspired by nature. The two largest panels open to reveal six spacious drawers, each with round gilt bronze handles. The fluted uprights feature additional gilt bronze mounts, the design of which matches the rest of the chest. Four tapered legs, finished with decorative gilt bronze sabots, Inspired by a very important design, this chest is guaranteed to add a touch of luxury and refinement to the appropriate interior space.