Biedermeier Column Chest, Walnut, Circa 1820–25

Biedermeier-era chest of drawers with four drawers and an architectural design. The body is walnut-veneered and features a continuous, four-panel, mirror-image veneer pattern: the grain extends across all the drawer fronts in a cohesive pattern. The top is also assembled from four symmetrical sections.

The front is flanked by two freestanding columns with gilded capitals and bases. The column shafts are ebonized; the gilding has been renewed with 22-karat gold leaf. The columns rest on block-shaped bases.

Above the three lower drawers, a narrow, projecting drawer is located beneath the tabletop. All drawers are fitted with oval brass pull handles; the keyholes are inlaid in the form of ebonized escutcheons. The locks are original, and four keys are included. The key heads were replaced at the customer’s request.

The chest of drawers has been restored and finished with shellac; it is ready for use. As part of the restoration, a few small areas of veneer were touched up. Very slight warping due to age is visible on the top.

Dimensions and Construction

• Width: 124 cm
• Depth: 59.5 cm
• Height: 98 cm
• Material: Walnut veneer
• Decor: continuous, quadruple, and mirror-image veneer pattern; quadruple and mirror-image tabletop; ebonized keyholes
• Structure: two freestanding ebonized columns on gilded bases, capitals, and plinths (22-karat gold leaf gilding renewed)
• Hardware: oval brass pull handles; original locks, four keys present
• Configuration: four drawers
• Period: circa 1820–25, Biedermeier
• Condition: restored, shellac finish, ready for use; minor veneer repairs; slight warping of the top due to age