An elegant and compact Italian chest of drawers in Louis XVI style, veneered with coloured woods on the top, sides, and front. Lombardy origin, late 18th century
Among the many styles that have shaped the history of furniture, some lines stand out as timeless—once they appeared in noble palaces and refined bourgeois interiors, they never truly left us. The Louis XVI style, which rose to popularity in the final decades of the 18th century, is one such example. It is known for its straight, balanced lines that emerged in clear opposition to the ornate trends of previous periods. Its appeal also lies in the richness of its delicate decoration, marked by inlays and classical references that remain clearly legible today.
This chest of drawers perfectly embodies that tradition. It stands out for the variety of wood veneers used in the decorative surfaces that cover the front, sides, and top. Different types of wood are appreciated for their rich tonal variations, highlighted by the inlay work—a true exercise in craftsmanship by the cabinetmaker who created this piece in northern Italy in the late 1700s.
Of particular note is the geometric inlay just beneath the top surface: with its interplay of yellow and green tones, it resembles a light garland, like those cut from coloured paper and hung across doorframes for an elegant ball, centuries ago. Also typical of the Louis XVI style—and a mark of authenticity—is the arrangement of three drawers, with the top one being slightly shallower than the others. The slender, tapered legs in truncated pyramid form are another classic element of the period.
To furnish with an antique is to embrace tradition and preserve the finest inspirations of past centuries for the future.
Dimensions:
89.6 cm (height) × 116 cm (width) × 54 cm (depth)
≈ 35.3 in (height) × 45.7 in (width) × 21.3 in (depth)
