Guillaume Grohé 19th Century French Louis XVI Bedside Cabinet

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Description

A rare and impressive signed French mahogany parquetry bedside cabinet by important 19th century ébéniste (cabinetmaker) Grohe Frères.

This magnificent … Read more A rare and impressive signed French mahogany parquetry bedside cabinet by important 19th century ébéniste (cabinetmaker) Grohe Frères.

This magnificent cabinet made by the renowned Parisian cabinetmaker Grohe brothers of Paris is exquisitely hand-crafted, dating to the third quarter of the 19th century, it's exceptionally executed in sophisticated Louis XVI taste, with richly decorated elements of luxurious Neoclassical taste.

Born in Germany, Guillaume and Jean-Michel moved to Paris to pursue a dream of developing a furniture maker business. They open a store selling furniture and works of art in 1829 and by 1847 they formed the firm Grohé Frères house, with Guillaume as the principle partner, they worked from 1829-1881. Owing to the exceptional quality of the fine furniture that the firm produced, Grohé very quickly became famous, named the official suppliers to members of the European aristocracy and royalty including King Louis Philippe, Emperor Napoléon III and Empress Eugénie, and Queen Victoria, from 1862 onwards.

Guillaume favoured the Louis XVI style but made pieces in differing styles, exhibiting extensively and almost nonstop from 1834 to 1878, and won all the highest distinctions; Guillaume was made Chevalier de la Légion d' honneur in 1849.

The work of Grohé was praised in the 1867 Paris Exposition Universelle as ‘supérieurs à ceux de Riesener et Gouthière’ (‘superior to those of Riesener and Gouthière’).

After Jean-Michel’s retirement, Guillaume became a member of the jury for the Parisian Expositions Universelles Universal Exhibitions, leading to him becoming vice president of the 1878 Exposition. The company closed in 1884 and cleared the workshop stock at auction in February of that same year. Pieces by Grohé Frères are now in the permanent collections of the finest French museums as well as leading museums around the world.

Topped with a stunning grey and white marbled granite top with dramatic veining, above the solid mahogany case which features an enclosed white marble-lined interior compartment beneath a single frieze dovetailed drawer with richly inlaid geometric parquetry front, flanked by ornate and remarkably still brilliant finely chiseled and chased gilt bronze ormolu mounts, atop highly figured exotic wood reserve filets.

The marble chamber is concealed behind a single cabinet door embellished with decorative ormolu mounts, and stunning starburst marquetry-work framed by delicate string banding inlay.

The cabinet stands on four tapered solid mahogany legs set on patinated brass peg feet.

Signed in several locations, the door clasp retained inside of the case is stamped "A.S Bte C.G.D.G". The two ormolu mounts are each marked with the Grohe foundry mark GG forming a partial circle and ER. The underside of the case is also stamped ER, unknown, possibly Ernest Royer, an important French clock maker and bronzier. Marble is glued to the top but we believe an additional stamped maker's mark will be found on the top bar.

Dimensions: (approx)
31" High, 16" Wide, 12.5" Deep

Good size and proportions for a variety of different uses, including as a nightstand, chair side table, end table, lamp stand, hall console, drinks table and more.

This is a very fine acquisition for the serious collector of French furnishings, being stamped by one of the leading designers of the period and being of excellent quality throughout.

Great original condition. Presents splendidly, having beautifully aged patina, rich mahogany coloring and warm hues, superb detail, and a luxurious presence. Age appropriate wear. Strong, sturdy, stable and structurally sound.

Delivered cleaned, hand waxed, polished French patina finish, ready for immediate use and many, many more years of enjoyment. See less