18th Century Chest with Trompe-Lœil Marquetry, 1770

Antique chest of drawers from aristocratic property with trompe-l'œil marquetry

Southwest Germany
Walnut and others
around 1770

Dimensions: H × W × D: 87 × 124 × 66 cm

:
Three-tier chest of drawers on pressed ball feet with a slightly curved front and unusual marquetry. The plinth and panelled edge are made of end grain pieces joined together, typical of the region, and protrude discreetly beyond the body in width and depth.

The three drawers are each fitted with a wide panel, with a band of plum wood marking the transition between the plain walnut edge veneer and the central marquetry panel. The latter shows a so-called cube marquetry - a strictly geometric trompe-l'œil decoration that became very popular in the 18th century. The strict surface design contrasts effectively with the still baroque-style body shape, the curved front of which continued to be used regionally from the first half of the 18th century until the 1770s and 1780s.
In addition to the geometric design of the surfaces, the original bronze fittings also point to the beginnings of classicism: vase motifs, bow ornaments, hangings and medallions are already typical design features of the Louis XVI era.
The exact shape of the corresponding key is carved into the three keyhole fittings. However, there is only one lock in the centre drawer - a solid iron box lock, impressive in function and size, which locks upwards and downwards. In this way, all three drawers can be secured simultaneously with just one key. The original key can be seen in one of the attached photos.

Both the sides and the top are also veneered with cube marquetry. with this technique, known in French as "trompe-l'œil" (eye illusion), the cabinetmaker succeeded in creating an astonishing three-dimensionality through a skilful arrangement of different grain patterns and slightly nuanced wood colours. The targeted use of perspective, light and shadow thus creates an illusionistic depth effect and plays with the viewer's perception: depending on the incidence of light, the actually flat surface appears three-dimensional and awakens in the viewer the desire to examine with the hand what the eye appears to see.
Even back then, there were already pattern books that carpenters all over Europe used for orientation, based on the fashion in Paris. Famous pattern makers of the time included Jean-François Blondel and André-Jacob Roubo. You can find one of these pattern cards designed by Roubo in the attached photos.

The back of the chest of drawers shows the unsanded traces of rough planing typical of the 18th century as well as an authentically darkened wood colouring that has grown over decades. Another striking feature is the handwritten labelling with the letters "FvG" and the inventory number "Nr 28". These markings indicate a systematic inventory within a larger aristocratic collection.

Condition:
Restored and authentic condition with a matt shellac polish. Slight traces of age and use were deliberately preserved and conserved during refurbishment. Loosened veneers were stabilised and the runners were straightened. Overall, the piece of furniture is in a very desirable condition and absolutely suitable for everyday use.