French Dressers

A French Neoclassic commode, with scraped finish, from the 19th century. This antique chest from France features a rectangular-shaped top with pronounced and rounded corners, which rests atop a neoclassical style case which houses three graduated drawers set within rounded and fluted front side posts. The drawers are each adorn with brass Neoclassic style hardware (a later addition) with pair of garland pull handles and decorative escutcheon at their centers. The chest is nicely raised upon rounded legs. This piece has been scraped down to its original finish; mostly wood with grey/blue and brown colors showing through in some areas. This handsome 19th century French Neoclassical chest...

French Louis XVI Style Marble Top Carved Swan Kingwood Dresser High Chest C 1920 Dimensions : 44" Wide X 21" Deep X 54" Tall This high chest was made in the early 20th century and ...

A beautiful Empire dresser from the early 19th century, with three main drawers and a fourth drawer just below the tray in veneered walnut feathers. Note how the flame is drawn on th...

A handsome French semainier or tall chest of mahogany, c. 1820, featuring a marble top over a frieze with seven drawers between opposing columns - eac...

A French walnut chest of drawers from the 19th century. This antique chest from France has been designed in clean/straight lines and has a rectangular top over case which houses thre...

Mid-19th century Louis Philippe French Oak Dresser with Black and White Marble Top. Three drawers offer plenty of storage. Clean lines give this pie...

A French carved-wood chest of drawers from the early 19th century. This antique chest from France has a rectangular shaped top which slightly overhangs the case beneath which houses ...

A French wooden three-drawer commode from the 18th century. This antique chest from France is fitted with three graduated drawers which are flanked within fluted front side posts. Th...

Outstanding 1980s dresser finished in a delicate opalescent cream "galuchat" leather with outstanding silvered bronze handles. It was probably a custom order. Shagreen is a type of...

Bookcase designed by the Atelier Linné collective, the shelves are made of oak and the bottom is in matt lacquer. It is characterized by its both symmetr...

Antique French Empire style Commode or some may describe our Lion Paw Foot Commode as from the Restauration period, which was predominantly Neoclassicism. Our Old Plank restoration department completely rebuilt the drawers and the entire frame, but restrained from refinishing the mahogany. We of course enhanced the Original French Lion Paw Commodes...

Art Deco French buffet dresser marble-top credenza sideboard, circa 1930 All original Very unusual Hand carved floral motifs Mirror back and variegated ...

Standing at nearly nine feet high, this rare solid wood armoire or Buffet de château originating from the 18th century is an excellent example of French furniture during the 1700s. With a wonderfully rich patina, this large beautiful piece features intricate carvings throughout. The most unique feature is the bonnet with a bas relief which shows a carved Vanitas scene of a child resting upon a skull and book above a pair of intricately carved double doors. It can be used as a wardrobe or large moveable cupboard with doors and shelves for storing clothing or even perhaps a media cabinet. Rare, Louis XV period armoires such as this are the epitome of French Provincial furniture. They are increasingly difficult to find in this condition, especially with their original hardware, for it was often removed and melted down for ammunition during the unrest of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This armoire or cabinet is monumental in size and weight. The main case of the piece is rectangular in shape. The bonnet cornice top or domed crown sits snuggly on top of two large scalloped paneled hinged doors. The double doors are elaborately carved with center medallions and open to reveal the inside which includes adjustable shelves and drawer for storage. This wardrobe sits upon 2 cabriole legs in the front and two block legs in the back. Looking underneath the piece, at the bottom, you can see that the wood has been laid out and crafted in a way that resembles a cross. (See photos) Definitely a religious piece. It also features bow tie joints. Original grain can be seen and mortise and tenon joints. This wardrobe exhibits historically accurate carvings with lovely symbolic details throughout and vividly demonstrates the excitement of the period. The center cartouche at the top of the bonnet is embellished by a vanitas theme carved child resting in repose on a bed with a book, and a skull without a jaw underneath. This is commonly known as Vanitas or Memento Mori in Latin, meaning "Remember You Will Die". This sentiment is the Medieval Latin Christian theory and practice of reflection on mortality, especially as a means of considering the vanity of earthly life and the transient nature of all earthly goods and pursuits. It also resembles Eros. Traditionally, the skull represents death, evil, fear, and mortality, but it can also symbolize the complete opposite: protection, power, and gratitude toward life. Which points to the French custom of a father's gift to his newborn daughter. The crafting or purchase of an armoire carved with symbols of plenty and happiness stayed with her throughout her life and was used to store her trousseau in her own home once she married. Regardless of its symbolism, the skull stands as a constant reminder that no one can escape death. For example, the appearance of skulls on some Christian rosaries is said to reflect the Latin expression Memento Mori, meaning ‘remember that you shall die.’ Below this beautiful figural carving are two large domed doors also with intricate carvings The carvings are very well-articulated and in wonderful condition for the age. A serpentine apron features a beautifully carved rocaille (Rococo shell) cartouche and foliate. Original hand forged mountings and double-bolt locking mechanisms characterize this brilliant 18th-century furnishing and tell the story of the time period. The two massive doors feature a beautiful, intricate steel locking mechanism stamped with the Fleur de Lys which signifies that the piece was crafted either for the nobility or royalty. The first armoires appeared in France during the latter half of the 17th century and were most often the dominant feature of the home. These large cupboards were used to hold a family’s belongings from linens to clothing to silver and even food. Originating in France, the French provincial style was born of the ornate Louis XV and Rococo. However, it was crafted by furniture makers in the provinces, outside of the cities. By nature, its beauty relies more on form, function and available materials, and less on ostentatious decorative elements, such as gilding or intricate marquetry. Pieces of this time period were carved with great artistry and skill, yet were made to be functional and long-lasting. One of the most significant features of fine Provincial armoires are the locks and hinges. Because these cupboards were a very important part of the household, little expense was spared in outfitting them with the finest hardware. Long ornate hinges and elaborately scrolled escutcheons were an integral part of the overall design of the armoire. Often, the hinges, lock, and key cost more to produce than the armoire itself. The expense of such a grand armoire was enormous and it often served as an indication of a family's wealth and social standing. As their wealth and possessions grew, armoires were added to the household and it was not unusual for a wealthy family to have several armoires. This beautiful piece could be used as an armoire, wardrobe, linen chest, cabinet or storage cupboard. Or perhaps as a TV entertainment center...

The Louis XV-style dresser is painted white and has three drawers with large elaborate metal handles The sides are paneled in the French manner.

French Louis XVI period marquetry commode in neoclassical form, probably from the Eastern region of France, with gilt-bronze mounts, three drawers and grey marble top (Circa 1790). ...

Louis XV Provincial style painted commode or chest of drawers with wonderful patina and details. Painted wood with trim detailed, decorative hardware.