A Bordeaux-style Chest Of Drawers In Solid Mahogany, Tomb-shaped, Louis XV Period, Circa 1750

An elegant, tomb-shaped commode in solid mahogany, characteristic of Bordeaux production from the mid-18th century. Originating from port workshops, it illustrates the spread of Parisian taste to the Atlantic coast, fueled by the abundance of colonial woods imported from the West Indies, particularly mahogany from Saint-Domingue. The commode opens with four drawers in three rows, the two uppermost being side-by-side. The drawer fronts, carved from Saint-Domingue mahogany of remarkable density and polish, display a tight and shimmering grain. The sides and backs of the drawers are walnut, the bottoms are fir for the two smaller drawers and oak for the lower drawers. The curved profiles of the drawer sides, following the contours of the front, attest to refined craftsmanship, typical of the finest Bordeaux productions of the Louis XV period. The body of the piece is made of solid mahogany, with two distinct woods used: a dense, reddish-brown mahogany from the Dominican Republic for the front and moldings, and a lighter, softer mahogany from Honduras for the back uprights, side rails, and top panels. The back consists of Honduran mahogany back uprights, mahogany top and bottom rails, three walnut intermediate uprights, and four beech panels, confirming a methodical and robust port-style construction. The top, cut from a thick plank of solid mahogany approximately 45 mm, has been thinned around its edges to create a lighter appearance (approximately 24 mm) while maintaining the wood's strength. The edge of the top is molded with an ogee molding. The front legs, cabriole and ending in scrolling feet, elegantly extend the flowing apron. The ornamentation dates from the 18th century and is in the Parisian style: copper handles and keyhole escutcheons, in the style of Louis XV models that circulated in Paris from the 1740s onwards. Two original locks are missing. Condition and restoration: This commode comes from an estate in the Vexin region, where it had been kept for several generations. Upon acquiring it, we made two repairs to the rear legs to level the commode. The commode also had a thick varnish and wax finish that obscured the wood grain. We carried out a complete cleaning, removed the old layers of wax and varnish, and then applied a traditional wax filler. This work restored the depth and natural shine of the mahogany, revealing the characteristic reddish highlights of the wood from Saint-Domingue and giving the whole piece a rich and silky patina. Dimensions: Height: 84.5 cm Width: 121 cm at the top / 124 cm at the body Depth: 65 cm Commentary: This commode brilliantly illustrates the Bordeaux production of the Louis XV period, combining the power of its proportions with the nobility of mahogany. Its continuous curve, the quality of its construction, and the meticulous joinery make it a truly luxurious piece, undoubtedly intended for a merchant or shipowner in the port of Bordeaux. Its elegant simplicity, combined with the warmth of the wood and the subtlety of its restoration, makes it a perfect example of French taste adapted to colonial materials.