Pair of Louis XV commodes

Here is the latest major restoration project undertaken by Raphaël, our apprentice. It is a pair of Louis XV style commodes bearing an unknown stamp, CCS, which could be attributed to Charles Claude Saunier, an early work by the latter.

Please find below the detailed report of the work carried out by Raphaël. Enjoy reading.

Restoration of a pair of Louis XV commodes

This restoration project focuses on two commodes, designed according to the aesthetic and technical principles of the Louis XV style. This style is characterized by its curved lines, both in plan and elevation, as well as by its slender and sturdy legs. The front corners of the commodes are adorned with finely chased bronze mounts decorated with Rococo motifs.

These pieces of furniture open with two large sliding drawers, concealing the lower and central rails. The apron is directly attached to the lower drawer. A single lock secures the entire unit. Located in the center of the upper drawer, it passes through the middle rail to engage in the drawer of the drop-front. A single action is all it takes to lock everything. The chests of drawers have a simple appearance and harmonious curves. Marquetry of scrolls, leaves, and flowers adorns the drawers and the center of the sides. The scrollwork border is pronounced enough to initially suggest Germanic origins.

State of affairs report

The restoration of the two chests of drawers was carried out sequentially. Since the assembly required adjustments, their individual disassembly simplified the process. The finishing touches were then completed simultaneously.

Upon initial inspection, we noted the absence of the front right leg on one of the two chests of drawers. A repair was necessary, and a bronze sabot, also missing, had to be remade. The marquetry exhibited significant veneer losses. These affected not only the friezes on the lower drawers but also the entire piece. The owner carefully preserved the fragments that had detached over time, allowing a substantial portion to be retained.

The Restoration

The delamination was widespread, a consequence of dehydration and movement of the rosewood substructures. We therefore disassembled the frames to perform an infiltration treatment. This process rehydrates the glues and the wood, thus facilitating their hot re-gluing in a vacuum bag. This type of gentle and quick gluing proves particularly effective and practical on curved furniture.

We reassembled the piece, enlarged and re-glued the panels, then meticulously cleaned the mortises and tenons. Re-gluing the structure ensures optimal strength. After adjusting the drawers, we were able to begin the finishing touches.

Applying a first coat of varnish revealed the presence of engravings. We therefore partially re-engraved them, then filled them with black wax.

With the French polishing process complete, the final touch could be applied: the freshly cleaned bronze pieces were lightly varnished following Jean Felix Watin's recipe from 1773.

Observing the two restored commodes allows one to better appreciate the majesty of their marquetry. The curves are harmonious and of absolute precision, the marquetry testifies to impeccable execution, and the whole constitutes a remarkable work of art.

RG