Marriage chest. France, Regency period, ca. 1720.

Marriage chest. France, Regency period, ca. 1720.
Paloviolet and ormolu.
With keys.
Measurements: 105 x 54 x 38 cm.

Marriage chest or wedding trousseau of the Regency period, a delicate manifestation of late Baroque furniture, in which master craftsmanship and ornamental exquisiteness converge. It is made of solid wood with paloviolet veneer, an expensive and difficult to work tropical wood, with an attractive grain that is highly prized in cabinetmaking. It rests on a base consisting of stylized and sculptural stipe legs, joined by a double crosspiece formed by a sinuous "S" crossbeam, which introduces a visual dynamic and a formal balance typical of the light, Rococo-like language of the Regency period.

The main box incorporates a front drawer that adds practicality to the whole. The keyhole, worked in ormolu (mercury gilded bronze) presents detailed vegetal motifs chiseled with precision. The handles, also in ormolu, are ornamented with delicate designs of foliage and birds, traditional symbols of fertility and prosperity, ideal elements for a chest destined for a nuptial occasion. The legs end in capitals also of ormolu with foliate ornamentation. This chest, in addition to its high quality, is a testimony to the symbolism and ceremonialism that surrounded wedding furniture in 18th century Europe. The materials used and the type of furniture are evidence of the high status of the owners, probably aristocrats or courtiers.