Commode Stamped Doirat

Curved chest of drawers inlaid with kingwood opening with three drawers. It rests on four small curved feet. The front and sides are also curved. The chest of drawers is adorned with very beautiful gilded and chiseled bronzes in sabot, falls, apron, pull handles, keyholes. The chest of drawers is surmounted by a molded marble top called Rouge de Rance. Stamped Doirat Regency period Usual restorations H. 83.5 x W. 100 x D. 55 cm The piece of furniture in our study is a chest of drawers that we can date from the Regency period. Several elements give us clues as to its dating, but also about its author. This chest of drawers is stamped by the cabinetmaker Etienne Doirat (1675-1732). The curve on the front, on the sides and the uprights indicate that the Louisquatorz style is no more. These assertive curves are the result of very high technicality. This know-how continues to develop and improve in the first third of the 18th century. Furthermore, this chest of drawers with three rows of drawers and an apron close to the floor recalls the enthusiasm for bulky chests of drawers at the beginning of the century. Even if this model will persist throughout the 18th century, it is under the Regency that it is most appreciated. The richness of the bronzes also marks the production of this period. Indeed, they are not only there to reinforce the solidity of the furniture, but also have a decorative role. Trendy patterns are inevitably the shell and rich scraps as our chest of drawers proves to us. Moreover, it is in particular thanks to his bronzes that we can confirm the signature of the cabinetmaker Etienne Doirat. His production is composed in particular of many chests of drawers. According to Jean Dominique Augarde, only his late works are stamped (remember that the stamp is not compulsory until 1743). On the other hand, the importance given to the curling of the marquetry can only confirm the attribution to Etienne Doirat. He particularly enjoyed highlighting the wood veneers, which he carefully chose from among the most prestigious species (such as amaranth, violet wood, rosewood or even rosewood). The diamond points are motifs that he particularly likes. This chest of drawers is so full of details, both in its bronze fittings and in its milling games, it is impossible for us not to notice its high quality. Sources: Kjellberg (Pierre), French furniture of the 18th century, Editions of the amateur Demetrescu (Alain), The Regency style, Editions of the amateur Augarde (Jean Dominique), Etienne Doirat - Joiner in ebony, The J Paul Getty Museum Journal Vol. 13