A very beautiful Nîmes chest of drawers, known as a “sauteus - Lot 56

A very beautiful Nîmes chest of drawers, known as a “sauteuse,” with a curved shape, crafted from finely carved and molded light walnut. The top is framed by a “bec de corbin” molding with a lower cove that tapers its profile. The front features two recessed drawers forming central cartouches adorned with rocaille motifs, ombilics, and clasps, flanked by side panels surrounded by acanthus foliage. The upper portions of the sides feature a panel enhanced with triglyphs and a large central medallion bordered by a moldings. The lower crossbars, on both the front and sides, are scalloped and embellished with openwork shells decorated with palm leaves and acanthus. The sinuous legs, embellished with cascading and rising acanthus motifs on the front legs, rest on arched feet terminating in scrolls. Polished and varnished bronze fittings. Lock plates, drop handles, and rosettes. France. Provence. Louis XV period. H_90 cm W_130 cm D_61 cm Normal wear and tear Comparable works. *Conan d’Ainay auction. December 4, 2021. Lot 109. *Avignon Auction House sale. September 20, 2024. Lot 208. The “NÎMOISE” chest of drawers is the most famous, most highly regarded, and most prized of all provincial furniture. The Rocaille style characterizes this production like no other furniture from any other region of France. Provençal artisans and artists played a major role in the evolution of Provençal furniture, but also in that of the decorative arts of the capital, thanks to the great sculptor Pierre Puget. Through his stays in Italy and his close collaboration with the Baroque master Pierre De Cortone, he absorbed the lessons and became the propagator of this style in Provence. He shared his art with countless artisans, instilling in them a taste for the Baroque style. Later, a brilliant sculptor and furniture designer from Toulon, Jean-Bernard Honoré TURREAU (1672–1731)—known as Bernard TORO—brilliantly introduced his inexhaustible ornamental repertoire of decorative themes, drawn from the finest Italian sources. TORO’s art is characterized by bold moldings, curves, and counter-curves that push the limits of balance without ever violating the laws of harmony. Appraisal: Mr. Stéphane PEPE Appraiser: PEPE Stephane