Antique Vanity, Louis XVI period 1780

Antique Vanity, Louis XVI period 1780.

This exquisite original vanity or dressing table was made in South East Germany, probably in the area of the city of Wuerzburg around 1780. It features beautiful cherry veneer with marquetry details in elm wood. Additionally,  there are flower like inlays on the top and sides. The middle part opens with a flip up mirror and on each side are two large compartments. The original vintage paste paper decorates their interior. This is a rare find and a true piece of history.

History of the Dressing Table

Vanity, duchess, commode, poudreuse, boudoir, lowboy–the dressing table has many nicknames. And throughout history, this piece of furniture has had about as many phases as names. 

In the late 1600s, the use of dressing tables became an activity for wealthy aristocrats and noblemen and women, and the design of these tables naturally evolved to reflect this formality.

This change coincided with a turn in women’s fashion, where well-to-do men and women across Europe began spending more time on their hair, makeup, and dressing.

This lengthier process meant more accessories and cosmetics, so naturally, women needed larger containers to store their items.

Additionally, court nobility surrounded the royal family most times during the day. A woman’s lengthy makeup routine became a social event centered around the beautiful dressing table.

Please also read our blog post about the origins and history of the dressing table.

Details of this piece

This unique vanity is in very good condition. The outside was carefully refinished, the inside is in its original vintage condition without touching the original paste paper.

It measures H 30.52 in. x W 36.62 in. x D 20.67 inches (H 77.5 cm x W 93 cm x D 52.5 cm). 

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