Armoire d'Uzès

Uzès cabinet in wood painted polychrome on three sides with a black background.

Each of the two doors is adorned with three curved reserves decorated with animated landscapes with waterfalls and painted scenes of Italian inspiration. These cartouches are framed by scrolls of flowers and foliage.
The frame of the armoire takes up this natural theme: flowers and foliage are represented in a vast palette of colors. The piece is enhanced by touches of gold.
The sides, painted with yellow fillets reproducing brass and copper elements, are reminiscent of the influence of Boulle marquetry on this type of cabinet. According to Edith Mannoni, a specialist in Provencal furniture, the multicolored flower bouquets also draw their inspiration from Boulle's creations. The Uzès armoires were therefore inspired by both Italian and French designs.
A monogram at the top center of stylized, intertwined initials refers to the supposed function of the Uzès armoire to house the trousseau of young brides.
The four-shelf interior is lined with wallpaper, as was customary on the few existing armoires d'Uzès.

Although we're not sure why this type of furniture is called an "Armoire d'Uzès", a peculiarity of the town may give us a clue. The cathedral of Saint-Théodorit d'Uzès is home to a superb organ with the distinctive feature of being painted. Having preserved its original shutters, we can appreciate its shades of gray and gold.

Uzès region, Gard, second half of the 18th century.

Width: 103 cm
Depth: 44 cm
Height: 176 cm

Ref: 13MZ9FZRP9