{"id":7265,"date":"2023-02-26T13:56:43","date_gmt":"2023-02-26T12:56:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ebenisterie-mathieuvath.fr\/?p=7265"},"modified":"2023-02-26T13:59:36","modified_gmt":"2023-02-26T12:59:36","slug":"commode-louis-xiv-du-dauphine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ebenisterie-mathieuvath.fr\/en\/2023\/02\/26\/commode-louis-xiv-du-dauphine\/","title":{"rendered":"Louis XIV commode from the Dauphin\u00e9 region"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Restoration of a Louis XIV period commode in olive burl, rosewood and boxwood, probably from the Dauphin\u00e9 region.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Eb\u00e9nisterie
Before restoration<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n


This type of commode (D-shaped), along with the Mazarine commode, is among the very first commodes popularized under Louis XIV. Indeed, the appearance of the earliest French furniture resembling the commode dates only from the 1700s; thus, the oldest known and datable Parisian commodes are those delivered by Andr\u00e9-Charles Boulle to Versailles around 1708. Their very simple decorations are inspired by Dutch designs, often crafted by Protestant cabinetmakers who were very fond of native woods, in accordance with the core tenets of the Reformed religion. This is particularly true of olive veneer. In fact, it was during the great winter of 1709 that thousands of these trees perished and were salvaged by artisans in the Dauphin\u00e9 region to make furniture (The Century of Louis XIV, p. 249).
But beyond the decorative qualities of the olive tree, it was above all its symbolism\u2014peace, reconciliation, and hope\u2014that fueled its popularity among the Huguenot elite. The high quality of the bronze handles, featuring "sea horses," is particularly noteworthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bibliography<\/h4>\n\n\n\n