Antique 19th C. French Louis XV Walnut Carved 3 Door Mirrored Wardrobe Armoire

Description

A beautiful antique 19th Century French Knockdown Armoire / Wardrobe. Features a walnut frame with three large beveled glass mirrored doors The cabinet opens to a large central area for hanging garments at the center which is flanked by smaller outer cabinets with shelves. The central crown has a beautifully carved cartouche with shell and acanthus motifs. Lower aprons showcase a lattice carved design, with rose carved accents over cabriole legs.

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; General wear from use and age; edgewear, marking and staining to the finish

Dimensions

78" x 23" x 105 1/2"