Directoire Style French Antique Chest

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Description

French Directoire style chest made of solid wood construction, primarily cherry wood. This piece has been finished with a lustrous … Read more French Directoire style chest made of solid wood construction, primarily cherry wood. This piece has been finished with a lustrous French polish of museum quality. There are two dovetailed drawers each with two brass pulls. The drawers are adorned with an ebonized inlay. This piece is in very nice antique condition – the photos accurately depict the condition.

During a time of great change in post-revolution France (1790-1805), the Directoire style came about after the execution of Louis XVI. With the monarchy gone, France was governed by the Directoire executif (executive directory), from which the name of the style derives. Many criticized the old regime’s propensity for excessive luxury, and in response they began to opt for sleek, austere designs with light ornamentation. Furniture of the time stressed simple shapes, clean lines and strong proportions. Today these furnishings can be used in virtually any space, thanks to their streamlined forms and casual dignity. See less