Louis XV chest of drawers - stamped N.PETIT

Dimensions: H x W x D: 86 x 130 x 65 cm

Description:
Outstanding and absolutely collectable French chest of drawers from the mid-18th century with marble top, fine veneers and fire-gilt fittings.

The body stands on flared feet with five drawers in three rows. The two lower drawers each extend across the full width. The top row is divided into three drawers, whereby the narrow centre drawer is not obvious and can only be unlocked from the inside when the right-hand drawer is fully pulled out.
The body of the piece of furniture is strongly curved and arched, not only on the front, but also on the sides and pilaster strips. The finely cast ormolu fittings, which are in a fantastic state of preservation, are framed by fine, partly green-coloured marquetry.
The Rouge Royal marble top is loosely applied. Underneath we find the hallmark signature N.PETIT and JME (JURES MENUISIERS-EBENISTES) - proof of the master's guild affiliation.

The back and top of the body are made in a frame and panelled construction typical of the period and region.

The date of origin of the piece of furniture is dated to the early 1760s. The curve of the body and the shape of the fittings still clearly reflect the formal language of the Louis XV era, whereas the inlays, in their strictly geometric form, are already subject to the subsequent classicist taste.

Interesting facts:
Nicolas Petit (1732-1791) is considered one of the most important and best-known Parisian ebenists in the second half of the 18th century. He received his master's title on 21 January 1761. The chest of drawers offered here is therefore probably one of the first pieces of furniture to leave the young master's workshop.

In his workshop in the Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Antoine, the cabinetmaker produced furniture of all styles and types for almost thirty years. Given the fact that Petit always worked according to the latest fashions and constantly adapted to his customers' tastes, it is almost impossible to define his personal style. In his early days, rocaille was not yet out of fashion and so Petit produced elegant curved chests of drawers, corner cabinets, secretaries and desks in the typical Louis XV style with curved bodies and fire-gilt fittings. Later, he worked in stricter, more linear forms with geometric marquetry or fine inlays such as flowers, foliage, trophies or landscapes.

All of Nicolas Petit's furniture has one thing in common, namely its outstanding quality. It is therefore not surprising that works by the master repeatedly appear in the major auction houses in Paris, London or New York.

Condition: Wonderful, refurbished condition suitable for everyday use. Outstanding original condition of the fire gilding.

Price: This chest of drawers has already been sold. I offer objects comparable in quality and age for about 12000,-€ to 15000,-€.