An 18th century commode a deux corps in oak, carved in the Louis XV taste of the French countryside. Hand stripped to reveal its natural wood patina attained over many centuries, the oak shows every ripple of its grain and gives the rocaille carving a soft, sunlit grace. A sweeping arched crown with a deeply molded cornice and breakfront corners rises above a pair of arched doors, each carved with a lattice cartouche framed by scrolling acanthus and trailing flowers. The upper interior retains its original paint, designed to make china stand out. With the doors open, the cabinet becomes a beautiful display of china set against the soft blue interior and its three shelves.
The lower commode has three drawers across a gracefully shaped crossbow front. Each drawer is divided into molded panels carved with floral sprays and fitted with brass rocaille pulls and escutcheons. A scalloped apron flows into slender cabriole legs ending in scrolled feet. Paneled sides, canted corners and pegged mortise and tenon joinery reflect the skill of the cabinetmaker. The upper cabinet lifts away from the base, which makes moving and placement easier.
Liège was home to one of the finest carving traditions of 18th century Europe. A French speaking principality ruled by its prince bishops, Liège looked to Paris for its taste. Its cabinetmakers embraced the curving lines and naturalistic ornament of the Louis XV style, favoring oak for its strength and its ability to hold crisp, deep carving. In 1795 the region was annexed by France, sealing its long kinship with French design.
In a dining room, the buffet offers generous storage for china, linens and serving pieces, and the commode top makes a convenient staging surface. The light, natural finish settles beautifully into a European country kitchen, a soft neutral interior or a classic French home, and the arched crown brings architectural height to rooms with tall ceilings.
Circa 1750’s
Measures 92H x 48W x 27.5D; surface 35H
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Available at Inessa Stewart's Antiques, Dallas Design District, Dallas, Texas.