A sauteuse is a type of commode often seen during the reign of Louis XV, known for long, curvaceous legs that support two tiers of drawers. This commode sauteuse was hand-carved in walnut in Provence, France, circa 1750.
As is the case with most period Louis XV commodes, the front has a bombe façade, with a restrained curve that accentuates the cabriole legs. The drawers (which were assembled with dovetail joinery) have graceful, geometric panels surrounding large foliate handles. In between the sinuous carvings is a barbed quatrefoil encircling an asymmetrical bronze foliate escutcheon. The curvaceousness continues along the apron, which has a foliate and beaded central cartouche surrounded by pierced C-scrolls. A floral margent extends from the base of both scrolls, terminating above a volute carving in the molding. It is a seamless transition from the molding to the cabriole legs, which are adorned with a roquillard on the front two. All four legs terminate with volute feet on pads.
Our Louis XV walnut commode sauteuse is a graceful storage piece that can be incorporated with most styles of design. The versatile item can be placed in a living room, bedroom, or entryway.
CONDITION: Good antique condition with wear commensurate to age and use, including minor nicks and rubs to the top. Small old fills and repairs. Light age separations and traces of old wood worm.