Rosewood and violetwood veneered bridge chest of drawers, op - Lot 8

Rosewood and violetwood veneered bridge chest of drawers, opening with 4 drawers in three rows, marble top, fine bronze trim with espagnolette. IMC stamp The abbreviated IMC stamp may correspond to the iron used by Jean-Mathieu Ier Chevallier (circa 1695-1768) at the beginning of his career during the Regency period. Jean Mathieu Chevalier received his master's degree in 1743. Dimensions: 127 x 84 x 63 cm Regency period This bridge chest of drawers, made during the Regency period, is distinguished by its elegant curved silhouette and rich rosewood and violet wood veneer. It opens with four drawers arranged in three rows. The marble top completes its refined look, while the fine ormolu trim, including espagnolettes, testifies to the period's taste for sculptural ornamentation. The term "commode tombeau" refers to a chest of drawers with curved fronts and sides, very much in vogue from the end of the reign of Louis XIV and throughout the Regency period. The particularity of the "bridge" model lies in the division of the lower row of drawers into three sections, with the middle section initially empty, forming an arch reminiscent of a bridge structure. However, one variant, as shown here, incorporates a drawer in place of this central space. In some cases, this drawer is set back from the two sides, but on our chest it has been replaced by a simulated dormant front, visually unifying the last row into a single large drawer. The memory of the bridge opening is nevertheless preserved by the presence of a pair of gaudron bronzes, sometimes called "moustaches". The IMC stamp may correspond to one of the irons used at the start of his career by Jean-Mathieu Ier Chevalier, a cabinetmaker active during the Regency and awarded the title of Master in 1743. His work is distinguished by the use of precious woods and by the curved forms characteristic of the Regency style, heralding developments in furniture under Louis XV. This commode tombeau "à pont", with its refined decoration, precious wood veneering and chased bronze trim, is a testament to the skills of early 18th-century Parisian cabinetmakers.