Empire chest of drawers with paw feet

Dimensions: H x W x D: 92 x 115 x 59 cm

Description:
Piece of furniture standing on finely carved, dark coloured and partially gilded paw feet. The three drawers are veneered in very harmoniously laid and interestingly grained walnut, the other parts of the body visible from the outside are made of solid walnut.
The perfect symmetry of the grain is accentuated all the more beautifully by the warm colour of the wood with its patina that has developed over decades.

The front is flanked by solid pillars. The fineness of the fire-gilt bronze capitals lined with leaf and palmette friezes is absolutely impressive. In general, the bronze and metalwork on this chest of drawers is particularly noteworthy. The drawers are pulled by rings held by lion heads, and the keyhole surrounds are made of sharply moulded brass coats of arms. Two of the three locks have clover-shaped key guides, which are operated with the original key in the precisely fitting counter mould.

A solid, approximately 3 cm thick, loosely laid slab of grey and white veined marble forms the upper end. The photo, which shows the side view of this plate, clearly shows that it was made entirely by hand. The slab is not exactly straight and is not of the same material thickness in all places. From this photo, you can really imagine the situation in which the stonemason painstakingly crafted this slab by hand over 200 years ago.
If we move the slab a little to one side, we can see the frame and the stud construction underneath with its dovetail-shaped connection points and the inscription "N 13", which could indicate an old inventory.

This chest of drawers is a prime example of the high level of craftsmanship in early 19th century France and of the collaboration between the various trades such as cabinetmakers, locksmiths, stonemasons, bronziers and gilders.
Pieces of furniture like this never cease to amaze me: about the unique skills of the craftsmen of the time, about the quality that has made these pieces so old and about the fact that each of these old pieces of furniture is absolutely unique.

Condition:
Refurbished condition with a very authentic patina. The wood has been gently cleaned and the traces of age and use have been deliberately preserved and conserved. The drawers run smoothly, the locks work and there is an original key.

Price: This chest of drawers has already been sold. I offer similar items for around €4,000 to €5,000.