A superb Louis XV period walnut enfilade from France c.1770

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A superb Louis XV period walnut enfilade from France c.1770

About the Item

A superb Louis XV period walnut buffet/enfilade with characteristic motifs from the Regence period from France c.1770. Please notice the amazingly sensuous lines of this buffet/enfilade. A master cabinet maker succeeded in taking exceptional walnut timber and transforming it into a beautifully balanced and wonderfully attractive as well as functional buffet. The form this piece takes is a combination of the classic two drawer above two door buffet and the multiple cabinet door piece without drawers known as an enfilade. Each of the three cabinet doors are almost square in shape and frame a centre panel outlined with bold moulding. Notice that the left and right doors have the same profile while the centre door has a slightly different shape to the top moulding. All of the moulding is symmetrical however and sets the tone for the entire balance of the cabinet. Panels with this distinctive shape first appeared at the end of the reign of Louis XIV (1638-1715) and continued to be used during the Regence period (1715-1723) and into the beginning of the years Louis XV ruled in France (1723-1774). Between each of the three doors are two vertical panels also distinguished with impressive moulding that surrounds a recessed panel. Above the doors are the four drawers that have been situated directly beneath the top and they also feature a deeply moulded edge that frames not only a recessed panel but also the large iron ring pulls that allow the drawers to be opened easily. Both the front corners have a rounded shape and are highlighted with deeply incised fluting. Be sure to take a look at the bold hinges and lovely lock plates known as "escutcheons" where the keys are inserted to unlock the doors. The use of metal always provides a good contrast with the wood and the artisans always made certain to make the hardware decorative as opposed to merely utilitarian. Each of these corners are carved from a single piece of walnut and reach the floor with a cabriole shaped leg also enhanced with fluting. The apron between the legs has a lower profile of moulding that matches that seen in the cabinet doors in its symmetry and scale. Beneath each of the vertical panels that separate the three doors there is a deeply carved section in the form of a curved scroll beneath a flowering plant. The impressive attribute of this buffet/enfilade that gives it such dazzle is the use of carved walnut in contrast to the luscious burl walnut used in the recessed panels in the doors, drawers and apron. A crucial element to remember when looking at eighteenth century furniture in particular is that the interiors people lived within were actually quite dim compared with the amount of electric light we are accustomed to today. Only natural light was available from burning candles and a blazing fire to illuminate a room so a cabinet maker's goal was to create a piece that would spring forth and capture attention. By using both carving and the organic quality of highly grained timber this goal was achieved and retains its remarkable impact today. Almost all of the flat sections on the facade of this buffet feature extraordinary examples of walnut with a powerful pattern known as burl walnut. Because these pieces were not extremely large they were highly prized and used in a manner to direct attention and amazement. Imagine how they would leap forward in a room when the light was brightly burning and the three dimensional effect that would be seen. In contrast the top was a working surface meant to support candelabra and serving pieces and therefore needed to be sturdy and flat. The cabinet maker understood the importance of working with the natural tendency of wood to cup and curl when long straight boards were used and instead chose the proper method of joined pieces that would work in tandem to stay flat with a minimum of movement. This superb piece of French craftsmanship is still enchanting today and will be a focal point in any room where it is placed. Although this buffet/enfilade was traditionally used in a dining room it is also perfect with a television above it as the piece is deep enough to contain all the necessary electronic components.

Dimensions:
Height: 39 in (99.06 cm)Width: 84 in (213.36 cm)Depth: 23.5 in (59.69 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Walnut
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
18th Century and Earlier
Date of Manufacture:
c.1770
Condition:
Seller Location:
Houston, TX
Reference Number:
Seller: EFH1941stDibs: U1105238668484