Examination commode; Germany, early 18th century.

Examination chest of drawers; Germany, early 18th century.
Walnut wood (veneer).
The legs and gussets are from a later period.
Measurements: 23.5 x 40 x 27.5 cm.
Chest of drawers, dated at the beginning of the 18th century, made of walnut veneer. It presents a compact structure and balanced volumes, in which the natural richness of the grain of the material stands out, wisely used to enhance the decorative value of the piece of furniture. The arrangement of the drawers, one larger upper drawer and two smaller lower ones, is typical of the functional organization of the period, while the keyhole hardware, although added at a later date along with the legs, is harmoniously integrated into the whole. The curved lines of the front profiles and the discreet development of the legs bring a subtle elegance to the design, without abandoning the sobriety that characterizes many Northern European pieces of this period. Despite later interventions, the chest of drawers maintains its formal integrity.