Antique French Louis XV Mahogany Baroque Mirrored Knockdown Armoire Linen Press

Description

Monumental 19th century Louis XV / Rococo wardrobe or linen Press. Made of mahogany with a beautiful wood grain. Features serpentine aprons with magnificent foliate, acanthus and baroque inspired carvings. Includes large beveled mirrored doors and ornately scalloped cartouche. The wardrobe is supported by cabriole legs leading to scrolled feet. Opens to four adjustable shelves and lower lockable drawer.

With large full length doors, we often look at antique armoires as passageways to secret rooms or even different worlds. While most antique armoires don’t take us to a different dimension, they nonetheless add incredible charm and beauty to both new and old homes alike.

Before closets were built into rooms, a solid wood free-standing wardrobe or “armoire” (French for Wardrobe) was standard for storing clothes. However, not all could afford such a luxury, and many antique wardrobes belonged to the upper classes who owned more than one set of clothes.

Thus, on antique armoires from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, we often see artistic embellishments and luxurious details. Antique French armoires often have Rococo or Gothic carvings, mirrored doors and naturalistic carvings. These feminine elements on antique French armoires demonstrate a high level of craftsmanship and artistry afforded only by the rich.

The phrase Knock-down refers to the ability for these pieces to be easily disassembled and re-assembled. This allowed for these massive armoires to be able to shipped hundreds of miles and fit up the narrow staircases and winding hallways of the Victorian and preceding eras.

Condition

Good Antique Condition; marking and distressing from use and age. Scuff along lower left side, repair to back left leg

Dimensions

101"h x 21.5" x 54", crown sticks out to about 25"