Chest-of-Drawers, « Commode sauteuse », Transition Period, 18th Century

A strange little piece of furniture that appeared during the Regency period, the commode sauteuse or “commode à la Cressent” always has two drawers (or two rows of drawers) perched on high legs that are either slightly curved or, as shown here, slightly protruding. The whole thing gives the amusing impression that the chest of drawers is ready to jump, like a frog.

These chests of drawers were very successful in the 18th century. The Transition style softens them up a bit. Ours is covered with a grey Sainte Anne marble top. Its drawers and sides are inlaid with floral motifs while the drawer entrances and locks are in gilded bronze. On each corner, a bronze portrait takes up famous cameo models representing on the left Louis XVI and on the right Marie-Antoinette. The whole is in very good condition.