{"id":7758,"date":"2023-08-31T13:27:25","date_gmt":"2023-08-31T11:27:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ebenisterie-mathieuvath.fr\/?p=7758"},"modified":"2026-08-22T19:17:13","modified_gmt":"2026-08-22T17:17:13","slug":"commode-louis-xiv-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ebenisterie-mathieuvath.fr\/en\/2023\/08\/31\/commode-louis-xiv-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Louis XIV commode"},"content":{"rendered":"

Restoration of a Louis XIV period commode veneered with olive burl, ash and walnut, probably from the Dauphin\u00e9 region.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Before restoration <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

This type of chest of drawers (D-shaped), along with the Mazarine chest, is among the very first chests of drawers popularized under Louis XIV. Indeed, the appearance of the very first French furniture resembling the chest of drawers dates only from the 1700s; thus, the oldest known and datable Parisian chests of drawers are those delivered by Andr\u00e9-Charles Boulle<\/a> At Versailles around 1708. Their very simple decorations were 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 was particularly true for olive veneer. Indeed, 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).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/h3>\n\n\n\n