SOLD - A pair of Swedish Gustavian style painted wood chests from the mid 19th century, with two drawers, carved dentil molding and tapered legs. Created in Sweden during the third quarter of the 19th century, each of this pair of painted chests features a rectangular top with beveled edges, sitting above a carved dentil molding typical of the Gustavian style. The façade showcases two drawers adorned with slightly raised cartouches. They are each fitted with brass Classical hardware and present a dovetail construction revealing the pieces' good age. The drawers are flanked with discreet semi-circular columns carved on the side posts. The chests are each raised on tapered feet connected to one another through a carved apron on three sides. They are painted in a soft color typical of the Swedish taste for light palettes aiming at brightening the rooms during the long and 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 their clean lines and lovely carved décor, this pair of Swedish Gustavian style two-drawer commodes circa 1860 will make for a wonderful addition to any bedroom or living room!
Place of Origin: Sweden
Period: 19th Century
Dimensions: 30" W x 18 1/2 D x 30.5" H
Inventory Number: XX148
Price: $8,500