Baroque Chest of Drawers, South German 1750

Baroque Chest of Drawers, South Germany 1750.

The Baroque chest has a double curved front and three drawers, which are decorated with beautiful original brass fittings. It stands on bulbous shaped feet. Different walnut veneer grains and patterns are used, and they are complemented with birds-eye maple veneer details on the top and the front.

Historical background

During the 17th century, the Baroque style had a marked effect upon furniture design throughout western Europe. Large wardrobes, cupboards, and cabinets had twisted columns, broken pediments, and heavy moldings. In Baroque furniture the details are related to the whole; instead of a framework of unrelated surfaces, each detail contributes to the harmonious movement of the overall design. The Baroque style was adopted in the Low Countries around 1620 and extended late into the 17th century, when Germany and England began to develop it.

After the Thirty Years’ War the German territory of the Holy Roman Empire was divided in multiple small principalities. Each court had a slightly different taste and as a result the German Baroque furniture styles vary from region to region. In southern Germany the French furniture design was more influential than in the western or northern parts, where Dutch and English styles were predominant.

The big centers for the production of  south German Baroque furniture were the cities of Wuerzburg, Bamberg, Bayreuth and Ansbach in Franconia. Additionally noble and clerical clients could go to the biannual sales fair in the city of Frankfurt, where ebeniste or artisans from various regions and countries were able to present and sell their masterpieces.

The Chest of Drawers in 18th century Germany

Another part of southern Germany which was dedicated to produce high quality furniture pieces was Bavaria. One type of furniture which became fashionable at the Bavarian court around 1730 was the commode, or chest of drawers.

The cabinetmakers mostly used walnut veneer and added geometric or curved marquetry made of ebony, mahogany or local woods. Moreover, the chest of drawers usually had three drawers and stood on bulbous shaped feet. Furthermore, German furniture designers, like their French counterparts, used prestigious brass or bronze fittings to ennoble their furniture pieces. Around 1740 the superbly decorated commodes became part of the preferred furnishing of the rulers representation rooms.

Details about this chest of drawers

The commode is in very good, refinished condition.

It measures H 31.5 in. x W 46.07 in. x D 24.81 in. (H 80 cm x W 117 cm x D 63 cm).

It is the perfect piece for an entry hall or living room. It can be combined with contemporary living room suites. In the same way it could also be a wonderful eye catcher in a dining room and form a contrast to a modern dining table and contemporary chairs. 

It ships from Germany, shipping costs of Boston are included.

Please contact us with any additional questions by phone or email, or chat with us on the website.

We have a big selection of other German Baroque pieces in our shop.