A Swedish Gustavian style painted wood apothecary chest from the late 19th century, with carved dentil molding, 10 drawers, brass ring pull hardware and tapered feet. Created in Sweden during the last decade of the 19th century, this painted chest features the stylistic characteristics of the Gustavian era. The chest features a rectangular top sitting above a carved dentil molding followed by a perfectly designed façade. 10 drawers, arranged in five rows and fitted with brass ring pulls, offer a perfect organization typical of apothecary chests. The sides are bare and the back is, of course, unfinished. Raised on four short tapered feet with fluted accents, the chest is painted in a soft color typical of the Scandinavian taste for light palettes aiming at brightening the rooms during the dark Scandinavian winters.
The Gustavian style takes its roots in the Louis XVI era. Swedish King Gustav III resided in 1771 in Paris, at the beginning stages of the Louis XVI style. There, he was inspired by French art and fashion. With that in his luggage, he had a strong desire to introduce something similar in Sweden. The country had fine craftsmen with high quality craftsmanship, who produced a simple style with harmonious aesthetics. The Gustavian style was born and has been in vogue ever since. It is incredibly popular, especially in England but also in France and in the USA. Price and age are of course inextricably linked, the older and rarer the higher the price!
With its clean lines and perfect organization, this Swedish apothecary chest circa 1890 will make for a great addition to any home, perhaps displayed in a living room or bedroom.
Place of Origin: Sweden
Period: 19th Century
Dimensions: 37.5"W x 12.5"D x 26.25"H
Inventory Number: XX105
Price: $5,950