Directoire French Antique Chest of Drawers

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Petite chest of drawers from France in the Directoire style. This piece is made of solid wood construction, primarily mahogany. … Read more Petite chest of drawers from France in the Directoire style. This piece is made of solid wood construction, primarily mahogany. It has been ebonized and finished with a lustrous French polish of museum quality. There are three dovetailed drawers all featuring original brass pulls and hardware. The piece has fluting down both sides and is supported by four tapered feet. It 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