Antiques M.S. Rau | French Provincial Walnut Armoire

This Majestic French Walnut Armoire Is A Stunning Example Of The Provincial Style. Standing Nearly Ten Feet High, This Rare Armoire Features Double Doors And A Wonderfully Rich Patina. Crowned By A Highly Detailed Basket Of Flowers, This Armoire Also Sports Rare Five-Point Stars. Fluidly-Shaped Panels, Original Hinges And Pierced Key Plates, And Bun Feet Complete This Magnificent Design. Original Mountings, Double Bolt Locking Mechanism And Large Key Characterize This Brilliant 18Th-Century Furnishing. The First Armoires Appeared In France During The Latter Half Of The 17Th Century And Were Most Often The Dominant Feature Of The Home. These Large Cupboards Were Used To Hold A Family’S Belongings From Linens To Clothing To Silver And Even Food. Cabinetmakers Drew Their Inspiration From The Cupboards Of Italy, Germany And Spain, But By The Reign Of Louis Xv, The French Armoire Had Reached Its Height Of Popularity And Possessed A Distinctly French Flair.

Originating In France In The 18Th Century, The French Provincial Style Was Born Of The Ornate Louis Xv And Rococo. However, It Was Crafted By Furniture Makers In The Provinces, Outside Of The Cities. By Nature, Its Beauty Relies More On Form, Function And Available Materials, And Less On Ostentatious Decorative Elements, Such As Gilding Or Intricate Marquetry. Crafted Of Different Kinds Of Solid Wood, Depending On The Region (Oak, Walnut, Elm, Fruitwoods And Sometimes Mahogany), These Pieces Were Carved With Great Artistry And Skill, Yet Were Made To Be Functional And Long Lasting. Though Less Exuberant Than Louis Xv And Xvi Design, French Provincial Furniture Exhibited A More Serene And Approachable Splendor.

Circa 1750

119 1/2″ High X 80″ Wide X 31″ Deep