18th Century and Earlier Wardrobes Armoires

As soon as 1540 France's second Renaissance is in the making, intimately linked to the rediscovery of the Antique world. The development of the printing and engraving industry allows the spread of artworks and models in many cities and countries. The Italian influence can be perceived in every artistic field. While the French king entrust the most talented Italian artists with major projects such as Il Rosso or Primaticcio in Fontainebleau, French artists also travel to Italy to form themselves to this new style. In Italy they get acquainted with the work of Leo Battista Alberti the first to theorize perspective (De Pictura, 1435-36) and architecture (De re oedificatoria, 1541). Those two publications would have a revolutionary impact on arts. Furniture is marked by the work of the most famous Italian architects of the time as well as French architects. Indeed Philibert de l'Orme competes with Alberti and by the end of his life publishes several treaties including one devoted to a theory of architecture (1567). Unfortunately he would not live to complete the second volume. In this treaty he expresses his interest for mathematical norms applied to architecture, copied from the Antique. His journeys in Italy allowed him to accumulate the most sophisticated references. Jean Bullant, another architect of great talent also theorizes his practice. He establishes rules characterizing Greco-Roman art staying faithful to Vitruvius. Following this new inspiration the structure of furniture evolves. From then on appear columns, capitals, cornices, friezes and architraves. The ornamentation uses this inspiration as well with egg-and-dart, palm leaf and rose adorning the most beautiful pieces. In Lyon, crossroad where meet merchants from everywhere those new experiments are welcomed. Lyon florishing printing industry allows the spreading of models and treaties essential to the artist's work. Thus the first publication of Vitruvius' De Architectura in France would be printed in Lyon in 1532. Artists from Lyon rediscover and familiarize themselves with the Antique knowledge very early. They adopt those new ideas and use them in their own creations. Lyon cabinet-makers re interpret Antique architecture and Italian Renaissance palaces to give their pieces a pure and harmonious architectural structure. Grooved pilasters are particularly favored. They are topped by capitals of diverse orders always respecting the sequencing with simpler ones for the lower levels and the richest ones on the higher levels. As for the ornamentation, one of the great distinctiveness of Lyon workshops remains the architectural perspective illusions, drawing inspiration from Tuscany. True masterpiece of the Second French Renaissance this important cabinet illustrates Lyon workshops' taste for fine Italian architecture inspired by Antiquity. An architectural perspective of great quality is treated in symmetry on each panel. This two-bodied cabinet without recess stands on four rectangular feet. The base comprises a molding, a palm leaf frieze and is bordered by a braid. The lower body is divided by three grooved pilasters with Tuscan capitals framing two door-leaves. The two panels are encircled by a moudled frame with palm leaves. They are finely carved with a decor of fantasized architecture depicting an Italian Renaissance palace erected symmetrically on each side of a grooved pilaster. On the ground floor a door opens through a stilted arch while the stories are opened with mullioned windows, dormers and occuli. Two large pegged-boss cladded pillars support the entablature enriched by a palm leaf frieze upon which stands an arch whose coffered intrados is centred by a rose. Behind this arch a pyramid appears, standing in front of a second facade with a window topped by a broken curvilinear pediment under a cul-de-four with a shell. The checker flooring gives depth to the low-reliefs creating vanishing points structuring the panels and guiding the eye of the observer. A thin laurel braid highlights the belt of the cabinet where are located two drawers. Their facades are adorned by palm leaves in hoops. The upper body is encircled with palm leaves. The same ternary division as in the lower body appears. However, the pilasters are topped by Ionic capitals with volutes and egg-and-dart. The door-leaves are framed with flowers. On the panels the artist has designed another architectural decor. On the foreground open two arches on top of grooved pilasters with rectangular capitals adorned with palm leaves. The arches are enriched with braids and the coffered intrados bears a decor of roses. The spandrels also bear a flower decor. In the background another arcature hosts a fluted grooved column topped with double basket acanthus capital, characteristic of Corinthian order. The triangular pediment is interrupted by a choux bourguignon. A large cornice crowns the cabinet. It stands on pilasters and forms an entablature comprising a palm leaf frieze and an egg-and-dart, triglyph and palm leaf cornice. The cabinet's sides have also been carefully considered. The lower body's panels are enriched with an arch rising above a broken pediment portico hosting a twisted column. Flowers garnish the spandrels. An architectural facade completes the decor. The upper body's panels present two arches supported by a facade opened with dormers and mullioned windows as well as cartouches (one bears the inscription 1580 dating the cabinet) suggesting the interior of an Italian Renaissance palace, confirmed by the chandeliers. The flooring leads our gaze to a second arch with a broken curvilinear pediment where stands a flower vase. This arch opens onto a perspective of another facade along a road. Inside the cabinet, on the lower body door-leaves appear two designs. On the right door is depicted a Crucifixion. Saint Mary and Saint John flank the Christ on the cross. In the bottom part is inscribed « Dure uiator abis nihil haec spectacula curas / Pendenti cum sis unica cura Deo. / Tota suo moriente dolet natura Magistro. / Nil qui solus eras caussa dolenda doles. ». The signature [Christoff Swartz Monachiensis pinx[it] / Ioa[nnes] Sadeler sculp[it]] tells us it was made by Johan Sadeler I (1550-1600) after Christoph Schwartz (1548-1592). This engraving belongs to an ensemble depicting the Passion of Christ Johan Sadeler executed in 1589 after an altar piece painted by Christoph Schwartz for the private chapel of Renée of Loraine, wife of Duke William V of Bavaria. This altar piece made of nine copper panels has been destroyed during the 19th century. The Crucifixion panel once in the centre of the altar piece is the only one that survived and is today kept in Munich's Alte Pinakothek. On the left door appears Saint Francis receiving the stigmata. The inscription says : « Signastidomine Servum Tuum. Franciscum. Signis Redemptionis Nostrae ». This Renaissance cabinet with an architectural decor appearing as much in the structure faithful to Antique rules...

A large and impressive 17th century European cabinet. Made in two parts, both with elaborate carved decoration and burled panels and details. The upper cabinet with heavy overhanging...

Late 18th Century Italian two door armoire in original paint and retaining its original lock and key. Restoration to the back boards and a replaced shelf and hanging rail.

18th century walnut armoire from France. The arched crown is wonderfully molded and sits atop a grand case. The doors have arches at the top, and are raised paneled with central ov...

A very handsome 17th century Armoire from Northern Italy. Beautifully constructed from walnut and chestnut woods with 2 doors, center style, interior shelving, very handsome hardwar...

Italian antique Baroque wood wardrobe with doors, 1700s Baroque wardrobe in wood with doors. Cabinet with swing doors and two internal shelves, with front legs with ornament and back...

A fine late 18th century neoclassical mahogany linen press/wardrobe in fantastic original condition. With two large cupboard doors over three drawers. The cabinetmaker used only the...

Beautiful highly carved wedding armoire of oak and mesh. In good age appropriate condition. Has key and shelves. Completely disassembles. All peg jointed. Hole in the back to accommo...

France / 16th century / wardrobe / oak / Antique / Rustic Wooden one door cabinet in oak with nice graphic carvings. This wardrobe has a foldable hanging system and is resting on fo...

Simply the best armoire I have ever seen. This incredible work of art is from the 18th century and made in the south of France of walnut. Clearly an important commission of the time...

18th century French Provincial Bonnetiere, likely Brittany, a stepped crown over a single door with large exposed hinges, a lower drawer, raised on with a wide stepped base, the fron...

18th Century Country French Four Door Wardrobe Four Door Wardrobe was designed to be a versatile storage piece perfect for the casual or rustic decor! Hand-crafted from dense, old-g...

Dutch Chippendale burl walnut bombay graduated three-drawer linen press with serpentine carved floral cartouche, flanking foliage hinged doors,...

A French provincial armoire or hall cupboard from the late 18th century. Transition period. Solid cherry and oak wood. An authentic example of French provincial living culture and ...

This beautifully proportioned "en chapeaux de gendarme" or "gendarme's hat" style French provincial armoire brings together form and function in dramatic fashion. At almost 2.5 meter...

Gorgeous 18th century antique French Grande Louis XIV oak corner cabinet. This antique oversized oak corner cabinet mimics a stunning built in effect and will add architectural inter...

Rare and important antique wardrobe in solid poplar wood made in early 18th century of the period baroque. Internally equipped with two shelves and in the central part a rod for hang...

This is a charming period Louis XV provincial walnut cabinet or bonnetiere. This cabinet has a uncommon configuration with two drawers separating the two storage sections. The bonnet...

Classic Antique French Louis XIII Armoire or Cupboard over 300- years old and remarkably still intact and functions as intended. In collecting and purchasing Louis XIII furniture for...

Dating from the mid-late 1700s, featuring three large brass hinges on each door, long detailed escutcheons, three interior shelves and three drawers, one with a key. Beautiful patina...

Original lock and key This piece of furniture shows no recess on its upper part. It opens with four folding-doors and two drawers within the belt. The key bears the date 1524 above cross motifs. Burgundy and Lyon regions subordinated themselves to architecture in a different manner than the other french schools. Rather than using particularly columns and pediments pieces of furniture from Lyon borrow architecture’s organization principles and rigorous designs. On the upper body a strong feeling of balance and symmetry appears with the folding doors reliefs. Swags of flowers and fruits held with knot cloth centered by a man seating on his arms. Here profiles, masks and chou de Bourgogne mingle with the structuring scrolls. The two lateral terms wear draperies and the goddess Diana in the center wears a belt of fruits similar to Hugue Sambin’s designs (Termes de Diane et de Venus, 1554, BNF). The two palm-leaves enriched drawers and the alternating scrolls belt balance the weight of the cornice with its alternatings consoles and tops. The lower body is also adorned by three terms with a feminine one in the center, all three are wearing fruits on their heads. The folding doors are centered upon a motif of cut cuirs by a mask in high relief. Wearing a feathered tiara...

A late 18th Century, Normandy Style armoire in solid oak with an incredible amount of exceptionally fine carvings from it’s Cornice down to the skirt. The frieze features a carving o...

Charming Bresse cabinet from the 18th century. It is made of various fruit woods. It opens in front of two doors whose panels are carved of curves and counter-curves.The overflowing ...

Beautifully carved walnut armoire from the Normandy region of France.

circa 1780 Large 18th century French painted pine armoire sku 1405 Measures : W174 x D65 x H190 cm.

Impressive cupboard from a convent (1 meter deep). Carved details, original hinges and key, original paint (except for the cornice). The interior can be adapted according to speci...

English drawer cabinet

Charming 18th Century Tuscan armoire from Florence, Italy. With its original paint, painted in subtle brown mottled shades. With central panels centered by the original brass door pu...

An elegant and scenic modular set of display cases and storage furniture designed by Mario Sabot in the 1970s, this composition is distinguished by its refined use of materials and a...

Excellent French Louis XV period armoire built with book matched panels.

18th Century French walnut armoire with doors strongly moulded in many curves and counter-curves. The “chapeau de gendarme” cornice richly carved f...

A great early 18th century French oak two-door armoire with a buffet interior. The exterior beautifully sculpted and the interior with blue paint.

17th Century, Tuscany Solid Walnut Carved Wardrobe This charming solid walnut wardrobe was crafted in Tuscany in the 17th century. The structure features two large front doors adorne...

French Provincial 18th century walnut carved armoire with double scroll top and 2 doors with carved border.

18th century Italian neoclassical painted armoire represents the epitome of master Italian craftsmanship and artistry melded into one instant family heirloom! First, the rectilinear ...

Grand 18th century Spanish armario or wardrobe armoire constructed from oak. Features a coffered case fronted by two large doors. This massive cabinet made in Spain features beautifu...

This grand black lacquer cabinet epitomizes the austere beauty of classical Chinese furniture design. Dated to the mid-18th century, the tall cabinet is crafted of northern elm (yumu...

This exceptional one-of-a-kind armoire from the area of Bremen has the original pink gesso appliqués, circa 1790.  Fabricated from a beautiful knot-less dense pine, the carved ribbed...

A straight-cornice wardrobe with two doors and a false frame, made of molded oak with carved and gilded decoration of foliate scrolls, flowers and finials, arched uprights. Parisian ...

Early 18th century Period Regence French Finely Carved Walnut Oversized Armoire with Bun Feet. Original Key is included.

A 'square' mid 18th century and later French walnut armoire cupboard. Demonstrating a stepped cornice above a pair of raised and fielded panel doors carved with quatrefoils and flowe...

A French Louis XV period fruitwood armoire from the first half of the 18th century, with bonnet top, raised panel doors, scalloped skirt and scrolled feet. Born in the middle of King Louis XV's reign, this exquisite French fruitwood armoire...

Very beautiful armoire called Bonnetière with a door on here side for guns from France. Extraordinary piece in walnut with beautiful carving in diamonds shape literally translated D...

Early oak Welsh wardrobe/armoire 18th century Livery tack, Harness Hall cupboard Bought in the South of England, this is a character rich early oak Welsh wardrobe used in fine houses for storage of livery, tack and harnesses - an early "mud room...

Antique George III mahogany gentleman’s wardrobe or linen press having two mahogany doors which open to reveal a fitted interior of four original sliding trays, one long drawer with ...

Beautiful Louis XV period armoire in cherrywood. Masterfully carved floral details in relief. Two drawers, one with original lock. Door lock is also original and functional. Great or...

Elegant 18th-century armoire Bordelaise in solid mahogany. Opening two large doors, decorated with fluting, "gendarme hat" cornice molded with boudins and ogee. Cremone bolt and t...

French Provincial 18th century walnut two door large scale armoire with foliate carved detail on doors and cornice with original hardware supp...

This is a unique and monumental Dutch Baroque cupboard called “Kussenkast" from the late 17th century, probably circa 1670-1680. Made of rosewoo...

Antique carved walnut cassone coffer on paw feet from Spain, circa 1880. Very versatile as well: Could be used as a seating bench, or an entry piece o...

A handsome French armoire (or bookcase display cabinet) of burled or burr elm from the 18th century, featuring a moulded crown above two framed doors (each with decorative brass escu...

One-door wardrobe in fir from 1700 Measures: Height 185cm – Width 115cm (130 to the frames) – Depth 50cm (57 to the frames) Spruce wardrobe, with one door, in excellent conditi...

This exceptional Baroque “Wellenschrank” (wave cabinet) was crafted in Nuremberg, Southern Germany, around 1730 and represents the very finest craftsmanship of its era. The façade di...

A lacquer finished 18th century Chinese two-door cabinet with a set of small round legs. This simple and Classic piece comes from Henan Province and contains al original hardware and...

Beautifully carved 18th century walnut armoire with original shelves, hardware and keys. The patina and depth of carving make this armoire a standout.

17th century furniture important supposedly from northern Italy, great decoration, carved walnut on all faces. Measures: H 2m53, W 1.76m, W 69cm.

A very handsome 18th century canted side - Scantonata - Armoire from the Veneto region of Italy. Beautifully constructed from hard pine with 4 doors and interior shelving. Several ...

This rare 1790s era French Louis XV carved oak armoire is an exceptional example of 18th-century craftsmanship, elegance, and functionality. Crafted from solid oak, the armoire featu...

A stunning and unique baroque early 18th century Swedish Gustavian cabinet that features two doors with shelving inside and sets on ball feet. This piece completely breaks down to he...

Good 18th century French painted oak armoire, 1760 Dimensions: 70 inches (178 cms) wide 27.5 inches (70 cms) deep 93 inches (236 cms) high.