Empire

Dimensions: 33 ⅞” H x 42 ¼” W x 20 ¾” D

A French Empire three-drawer commode from the 19th century with its original marble top. A more recent artistic update by a Caribbean-blue painted finish complements the gilt bronze accents, for exciting contrasts in textures and tones. The top surface of dark, nearly black stone is dotted with the fossilized remains of ancient marine animals, among the curious patterns of marbleization. Note that the stone displays the expected patina of scratches and other signs of the commode’s historic age so please view the image gallery for more details. A pair of gilt bronze caryatid busts top the inverted pilasters which flank the stack of three, wide drawers that open by brass lion ring pulls. Escutcheons on each drawer front are purely decorative, no key is present, but their ornate wing motifs underscore the mythical and fantastic inspiration the Empire taste is known for. Contrasting slate blue paint has been applied as a decorative border around the drawer hardware and defines the pilasters further, which draws the eye downward to the wonderful paw feet at the floor. The matte paint remains mostly smooth with some areas of mottled craquelure. Cleaned and tightened, this antique is ready for your interior. Be sure to see the detailed images to see the current condition of this unique painted chest of drawers.

Dimensions: 61 ½” H x 38 ⅝” W x 21” D

Early 20th century Dutch Empire-style mahogany tall chest of six drawers featuring Neoclassical elements with Art Deco geometry. A pierced brass gallery wraps the sides and partially the front, metallic details that are repeated on the drawer fronts as slivers of inlaid brass pinstripes and escutcheons. Cast bronze caryatid busts to the left and right are accented with parcel gilt to underscore the Egyptian references; they are mounted atop tapering pilasters–also inlaid with brass–that end in tiny replicas of human feet in cast bronze at the bottom drawer. A flamed effect from bookmatched mahogany calls attention to the luminous wood grain in striated caramel tones that animate the drawer fronts. Each drawer is fitted with a pair of drop brass bail pulls to open; the escutcheons are purely decorative in the absence of a key to operate the locks. The case is supported by turned legs on little brass knob feet. Cleaned and professionally refinished to restore the wood back to its natural lustre, please view the detailed images to see the current condition.

Dimensions: 56 ⅛” H x 36 ¾” W x 18 ¼” D

A 19th century French Empire mahogany semainier featuring artful Neoclassical hardware. Hand-crafted in France circa 1810, this semainier is fitted with seven drawers to provide a drawer of clothing or lingerie for every day of the week. A beautiful piece of subtly veined white marble sits atop this case piece’s rectilinear designed, architectural body inspired by ancient Greek and Roman concepts. The hidden frieze drawer at the top sits below bold molding and is adorned with a large and lustrous brass winged Neoclassical figure in its center. Beneath (and flanked by finely turned columns with etched brass capitals and bases) are the remaining six drawers that open easily and have working locks. One key is present. Each of the six drawers has sizable floral and foliate escutcheons matching cast brass drawer pulls that feature gorgeous relief florals and grapes. The solid body is finished out with a plinth base and sturdy turreted feet. This elegant semainier is an excellent way to provide lots of storage without taking up much floor space, and it provides it with style. Be sure to view all the images to get a closer look at the details.