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VINTAGE MIDCENTURY

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Item Details

 

18th Century Austrian Baroque Chest of Drawers, Circa 1760

This exquisite  18th-century Austrian Baroque chest of drawers, dating from around 1760, showcases the masterful craftsmanship of the period. Made from rich walnut and adorned with fruitwoods, this piece boasts intricate inlays and marquetry on the top, creating a striking visual centrepiece. The chest features three gracefully curved drawers, each fitted with original brass handles and escutcheons, which beautifully complement the warm tones of the wood.
Supported by charming bun feet, this chest offers both elegance and functionality. The Baroque styling, with its curvaceous lines and detailed artistry, makes this a timeless and sophisticated addition to any interior, perfect for collectors of fine antique furniture.

The chest of drawers also boasts wonderful warm colours and patina.

 

Key Features of Austrian Baroque Chests of Drawers

By the mid-18th century, Austrian furniture makers embraced the Baroque style’s dramatic, highly ornamental, and grand aesthetic. These chests of drawers were crafted for the aristocracy, reflecting the wealth, power, and taste of their patrons. Typically, they were made from luxurious woods like walnuts, fruitwoods, and sometimes exotic veneers, with elaborate inlay and marquetry work.

1. Design and Craftsmanship
Curved Forms: Austrian Baroque chests of drawers often featured a serpentine or bombe shape, with curved fronts and sides that created a sense of movement and dynamism. These graceful curves were a hallmark of Baroque design, intended to convey fluidity and drama.
Inlay and Marquetry: Fine inlay work, using a variety of wood types, such as walnut, maple, and fruitwood, was used to create intricate patterns or depictions of nature. The marquetry work on the top surface and drawer fronts often showcased floral motifs, scrolls, or geometric patterns, demonstrating the high level of skill involved in their creation.
Brass Fittings: Brass hardware, including handles and keyhole escutcheons, added a refined touch to these chests. These fittings were often intricately cast, enhancing the piece’s luxurious feel.
2. Cultural and Historical Context
Influence of the Habsburg Monarchy: The Habsburg rulers, who controlled vast territories in Europe, were key patrons of the Baroque style. Their court in Vienna was a hub of culture and art, and their influence extended to furniture design. Austrian Baroque furniture, including chests of drawers, reflected the splendour of the imperial court and was intended to furnish grand palaces and noble homes.
Religious Influence: As Austria was a deeply Catholic country, the Church also played a significant role in shaping the aesthetic of Baroque furniture. Religious institutions commissioned pieces that were ornate and theatrical, mirroring the extravagance of Baroque architecture seen in Austrian churches and monasteries.
Regional Variations: While Austria was heavily influenced by Italian and French Baroque design, Austrian craftsmen developed their own distinct interpretation, marked by a more restrained elegance compared to the more exuberant French Rococo style that followed. Austrian pieces, such as this chest of drawers, balanced grandeur with attention to harmony and proportion.
3. Evolution into the Rococo Style

As the 18th century progressed, Baroque gradually gave way to Rococo, a style characterized by lighter, more playful elements, and asymmetry. Many chests of drawers from the later Baroque period, particularly in the 1760s, began incorporating Rococo details, such as softer curves, more delicate inlays, and lighter wood tones. This evolution is often seen in transitional pieces that blend the grandeur of Baroque with the elegance of Rococo.

Conclusion

18th-century Austrian Baroque chests of drawers represent the height of craftsmanship and luxury during a time of imperial power and artistic flourishing. These pieces, with their curved forms, intricate inlays, and rich materials, were designed to be both functional and decorative, embodying the opulence of the Austrian Baroque period. Today, they remain highly sought-after by collectors for their historical significance, beauty, and timeless appeal.

• Period: 1760s
• • Price: £8,200.00
  • €9,737 Euro
  • $10,845 US Dollar
• Location: Sussex
• • Dimensions: H: 78cm (30.71in)
  • W: 103cm (40.55in)
  • D: 52cm (20.47in)