Chest Of Drawers Stamped

Exceptional stamped chest of drawers

Pierre Roussel (1723–1782)

Master Cabinetmaker to the King – Louis XVI Period

A rare and elegant Louis XVI-period chest of drawers, stamped P. ROUSSEL, attributed to one of the greatest Parisian master cabinetmakers of the 18th century, Pierre Roussel, who was granted master status in 1745 and was regarded by his contemporaries as one of the most brilliant marquetry artists of his time.
His works are now featured in the most prestigious public and private collections.

This remarkable chest of drawers features a perfectly balanced design, characteristic of the neoclassical style of the late Louis XVI period.
Rectangular in shape with a slightly curved front, it features five drawers arranged in three rows, including three large central drawers highlighted by an elegant scalloped crossbar.

The piece is crafted from precious wood veneers, primarily rosewood and violetwood, arranged in a curly pattern with exceptional mastery of the grain.
The front is embellished with sumptuous colored wood marquetry depicting a musical trophy consisting of a violin, sheet music, wind instruments, and floral garlands, resting on an architecturally styled console.
This motif, emblematic of Pierre Roussel’s work, attests to his talent as a designer and marquetry artist.
The sides are also adorned with inlaid panels featuring vases of flowers and decorative motifs, demonstrating the same meticulous attention to detail applied to all three sides of the piece.

The upper band is highlighted by a spectacular frieze of chiseled and gilded bronze featuring a design of undulating ribbons, rosettes, and acanthus leaves.
The beveled side panels are adorned with rich, cascading gilded bronze elements and extend into tapered, fluted legs that end in gilded bronze feet.

The top is crowned with a precious breccia marble in shades of wine red, pink, and ochre, perfectly complementing the warmth of the wood veneers and the gilding of the piece.

The piece admirably illustrates this period when Parisian cabinetmaking reached its zenith, combining decorative refinement, technical perfection, and architectural balance.
Pierre Roussel is particularly sought after for his marquetry furniture featuring floral motifs, landscapes, or musical instrument motifs, of which this chest of drawers is a remarkable example.

It measures 131 cm in length, 61 cm in depth, and 83.5 cm in height.

Provenance

Private collection.

Period

Louis XVI, circa 1775–1780.

Mark

P. ROUSSEL (Pierre Roussel, master cabinetmaker certified in 1745).

Materials

Rosewood, violetwood, and other precious woods inlaid; finely chiseled and gilded bronze; breccia marble top.

Condition

In very fine condition. Beautiful antique patina. Restorations consistent with the age and intended use of the piece.

“Prestige” Catalog Text

A work by one of the greatest master cabinetmakers of the 18th-century French period, this sumptuous chest of drawers stamped “Pierre Roussel” combines with rare artistry the excellence of Parisian marquetry, the richness of its gilded bronze fittings, and the timeless elegance of the Louis XVI style. Its exceptional musical trophy motif, executed with remarkable finesse, makes it a particularly sought-after collector’s item. A true testament to the refinement of the decorative arts under the Ancien Régime, it stands today as a prestigious piece of furniture destined for the finest residences and the most discerning collections.