David Foord-Brown Antiques

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A FINE MID 18TH CENTURY REGENCE KINGWOOD COMMODE. BY JEAN-MATHIEU CHEVALLIER. FRENCH CIRCA 1745

This sumptuous Louis XV commode with a voluptuous and supremely elegant rocaille shape with a marble top was made by Jean-Mathieu Chevallier (1696-1768/71). He came from a distinguished family of ebenistes (ebony worker). His paternal uncle and his father had a workshop in rue de Saint-Paul and then rue de Grenelle, Paris. Jean-Mathieu, known as Chevallier l’Aine and his brother Charles known as le Jeune worked together in the family workshop under the sign of “A La Croix de Chevallier”. Although younger than Jean-Mathieu, Charles acted as manager of the business since he was received as maître (master furniture maker)  first, probably before 1738, whereas his brother jean-Mathieu was not accepted until 5^th March 1743. Both brothers were listed in the “Almanac d’indication” in 1769 as leading exponents of their trade.Quickly acquiring a reputation, he prospered. Amongst his clientele were leading financiers and aristocrats of the day, including the Duke of Talmont and Castle Villegenis which belonged to Loise-Anne de Bourbon Conde. An excellent marquetry artist he made chests, secretaires, corner cupboards and desks, the inlay work always of the highest quality and know for its very decorative and floral marquetry and geometric motifs. Often his pieces bore his stamp, in this case on the front right corner under the marble. Examples of his furniture can be found in the National Gallery of Art Washington DC from the Widener Collection.

Origin: French

Circa:1745

Availability: Sold

Stock Ref: A10977

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