The Perfect Pairing: A Louis XV Bombé Commode & Louis XV Giltwood Fauteuils

In our second instalment of ‘The Perfect Pairing,’ we are looking at two exceptional examples of 18th century French design that work beautifully in tandem.  Both of these pieces reflect the taste and style of the court of Louis XV with the incorporation of rococo motifs including curved forms and elaborate detailing.

A Louis XV Bombe Commode in the manner of Franocis Garnier
Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection

This very fine French Louis XV parquetry commode of kingwood and tulipwood reflects the designs of François Garnier.  Of en arbalète form, the commode features a serpentine mottled peach, grey, and white marble top above three short drawers and two long drawers, and the gilt bronze mounts feature a crowned ‘c’ stamp.

A Pair of Louis XV Carved Giltwood Chairs with Tapestry
Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection

This elegant pair of Louis XV giltwood armchairs is upholstered in 18^th century verdure tapestry.  The impressive show frames feature superb quality carving throughout including shells, scrolling acanthus leaves, and hatchwork, and the chairs stand on elegant cabriole legs.

A view of our LAPADA 2018 stand showing the Louis XV commode and one of the pair of Louis XV giltwood armchairs

The combination of the marquetry on the commode with its elegant ormolu mounts and the gilded frames of the chairs is a classic pairing.  French furniture from the 18th century was highly prized by the English, and the influence of French designs can be seen throughout the century in the works of Thomas Chippendale, Robert Adam, John Linnell, and others.  So while we mainly deal in English antique furniture, it is hard to resist a select few examples of French designs of the same period, as they look fantastic together and demonstrate historical cultural cross-over.