18th C. Spanish Neo-Classical Breakfront Mahogany Marquetry Antique Chest of Drawers Commode

Description

A rare and most impressive antique Spanish Neo-classical marble-top breakfront chest of drawers commode.

Spain, 18th century, having a thick … more A rare and most impressive antique Spanish Neo-classical marble-top breakfront chest of drawers commode.

Spain, 18th century, having a thick shaped verde green marble top with dramatic veining; over conforming breakfronted canted corner dovetailed solid wood case; in warm rich dark mahogany inlaid with intricate contrasting Greek key ornamentation, burlwood panel reserves and delicate cross-banding inlays; fitted with a row of three smaller drawers, over three standard drawers; framed by protruding pilasters and apron with inlay emulating fluting, rising on tapering fluted legs. Overall intact with typical restorations and later additions. circa 1770s

In the 18th century the commode was the grand showcase of the marquetry skills of the ébénistes. This commode is certainly no exception, additionally, it's a truly rare and important example, first because there are so few commodes in this style from Spain, and more importantly, because it was a new and unique form of commode, called "à la Grecque" style, it was fashioned by the Comtesse du Barry, with straight-lined furniture inspired by the ancient Greco Roman furniture and advanced by the reports of the discoveries at the archeological sites at Herculaneum and by the Pompeii excavations, designed to make a complete break with the abundantly curvacious Rocaille style. This chest of drawers is typical of these exceptionally rare examples of Louis XV period (1715-1774) production in a style one would typically think Louis XVI (1774-1790), yet dating from the early 1770s.

This chest of drawers is interesting because it clearly belongs to the precursory productions, intended for nobility and high society eager for novelty and differentiation, characterized by a somewhat "radical" use of straight lines and cube-like form, Later, in the 1770s, the transitional Louis XV Louis XVI style was democratized, harmoniously blending straight lines on the carcase with legs that were still Louis XV, to more gently accompany the change of style towards what would become the lighter straight line Louis XVI style around 1780, then spreading throughout France, Northern Italy, and to a lesser extent the Spanish Mediterranean.

Dimensions: (approx)
42 1/8" High, 52 5/8" Wide, 26" Deep

Ideal size and proportions for a variety of different uses in today's most popular interior styles, including as a bedroom dresser, credenza, dining buffet or sideboard server, oversized hall console, or placed in a palatial foyer as a stunning entry statement piece!

Condition:
Good antique condition with beautifully aged dark rich patina, elegant warmth and lustrous sheen. Retaining original antique character and old world charm throughout, including scattered minor nicks, stable age related splits to the sides, and typical old restorations, especially to the drawer-fronts, all wear consistent with 250 years of age, use and handling; nothing that detracts from the aesthetics or functionality but only adds to the charming elegance, timeless sophistication and interesting historical depth that can only be acquired over very long periods of time.

Delivered cleaned, hand waxed, polished, ready for immediate use and generational enjoyment!

Professional Shipping / In-home White-glove Delivery available:
Depending on your location, our trusted third-party shipping partners availability, schedule, route, weather, etc.. please allow up to eight weeks for delivery.

Local Pickup / Delivery available around Dallas, Texas less