18th Century French Commode from Arles

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18th Century French Commode from Arles

About the Item

Louis XV Provincial light walnut commode from Arles, France, mid 18th century, the chest with serpentine top, two long drawers with brass foliate form pull handles, compartment dividers and later fabric lined, the case with rocaille carved details and raised on cabriole legs. 35.5” H x 53.25” W x 25.5” D. Provenance: Property from the estate of Arnold Neustadter, inventor of the Rolodex. The piece retains its original hardware including working locks with key. This richly decorated two-drawer commode in walnut wood, is from Arles, France, and was created around 1740. Furniture makers from Arles and their neighbors in Nimes, used the finest materials and paid close attention to line and form. Commodes, or Chests of Drawers, from this region are sometimes called “commode sauteuses” or jumping commodes because of their long legs and two drawers. Some of the commodes were “galbe” or rounded/curved in the front. Rarer, were models which were both galbe and “arbalete” or bow-front, such as this one. Not only is the front shaped, but so are the sides. This would have been a very difficult piece to carve. Provence, in the South of France, was heavily influenced by the tastes of their Italian neighbors during the Renaissance. Beginning in the 16th and 17th centuries, there was a preference for curving lines and rich sculpture. This would eventually give birth to the very distinct rocaille style of 18th century furniture in Provence, heavily based on the style of Louis XV. Rich floral decorations, serpentine frontages, with light, sinuous moldings and carvings became synonymous with Provence, especially Arles. Arlesienne commodes and armoires had pierced or open-work aprons such as found on the piece here. These aprons are a complex mélange of intertwining scrolled shells, flowers, and foliate motifs. The commode retains its original wood top which conforms to the shape of the case. All four legs are cabriole form and end in scrolling escargot feet. The sides of the piece are “galbe” or curved along two planes, and there are two curved and molded forms. There are almost too many details to describe. It is fascinating to study every inch of this commode and consider what kind of skill and imagination was needed to execute such a piece. The commode has a rich, warm patina and has recently been given a light French wax. Having specialized in 18th century French country antiques since 1988, I can say, without reservation, that this is the finest commode I've seen in 30 years.

Dimensions:
Height: 35.5 in (90.17 cm)Width: 53.5 in (135.89 cm)Depth: 25.5 in (64.77 cm)
Style:
Louis XV (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Walnut,Carved
Place of Origin:
Europe
Period:
Mid-18th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1740
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Exceptional condition for a piece of this age and history.
Seller Location:
Doylestown, PA
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU837023868902