Early 19th Century French Neoclassical Empire Bronze Mounted Mahogany Semainier, Chest of Drawers or Tall Commode

19th century French Louis XVI neoclassical mahogany semainier or tall chest. Hand crafted from mahogany, this design was fitted with seven drawers to provide a drawer for every day of the week, hence the name derived from the French word for week (semaine). This lovely tall neoclassical commode was designed with a rectilinear Empire style architecture inspired by ancient Greek and Roman concepts. The top drawer is almost concealed in the design, with beautiful bronze flanked by louvered plinth blocks and framed above and below with molding detail. The plinths appear above the almost full-length fluted and turned columns which serve as corner posts for the design. The remaining drawers are spacious on the inside, and feature tailored molding on the outside designed to enhance the sheer natural beauty of the wood, accentuated solely by classically cast bronze key guards. The bottom drawer is a double drawer, with the bottom two drawers opening together with one large storage area inside! When found, had a typewritten label that says "Willed to Mrs. Otis N. Gross Minot Tall French chest of and all contents in living room From Mrs. Edna G. Gross" (sp?). An excellent way to provide lots of storage with a minimal footprint on the floor, and provide it in style; this classic French chest will add elegance to any room!

DETAILS

• Country: France 
• Condition: Very Good
• Year: 19th Century
• Dimensions: H 58.25” x W 36.25” x D 14.25”