Small two-piece walnut sideboard – 18ᵗʰ century – South West France
Here is typically the way in which the peasant world appropriated, in its own way, the luxury of the noble residences of the 18th century.
Let me tell you the probable story of this little sideboard.
During his visits to the Château, the farmer in charge of the stewardship of the Estate stealthily observes the sumptuous Louis XIII furniture of which the Master of the house is proud.
Back in his own home, he invites the local furniture carpenter and orders “the same thing” roughly.
This craftsman has a workshop and real know-how, hence the quality of manufacture of this two-part sideboard, less imposing in size than the one seen at the Château and yet equipped with all the assets of the Louis XIII style:
- The molding of the four doors and two drawers is resolutely bold and generous.
- These moldings surround a series of four diamond-shaped lozenges, a decorative motif that marks the Louis XIII style.
- The succession of old wax layers applied to the walnut wood has created a warm, luminous and nuanced patina over time.
- This two-part sideboard rests on two straight feet at the back and two onion feet at the front.
Dimensions
Width: 133 cm, height: 192 cm, depth: 51 cm
Reference: [ME073]