{"id":7758,"date":"2023-08-31T13:27:25","date_gmt":"2023-08-31T11:27:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ebenisterie-mathieuvath.fr\/?p=7758"},"modified":"2026-10-27T16:03:55","modified_gmt":"2026-10-27T15:03:55","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 D-shaped chest of drawers, along with the Mazarine chest, is among the very first chests of drawers popularized under Louis XIV. The first French furniture resembling the chest of drawers did not appear until around 1700. The oldest known and datable Parisian chests of drawers are those delivered by Andr\u00e9-Charles Boulle<\/a> At Versailles around 1708, their decorations, very understated, were inspired by Dutch designs. They were often the work of Protestant cabinetmakers, who were very fond of native woods, in accordance with the precepts of the Reformed religion. This is particularly true for olive veneer. During the great winter of 1709, thousands of olive trees perished: the artisans of the Dauphin\u00e9 region salvaged them 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 "sea horse" handles is particularly noteworthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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