How do I date these chests?

Dating relies on combining the stylistic vocabulary, such as Louis XV curves or Louis XVI straight lines, with construction methods visible inside the drawers. Later revival pieces from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries often employ machine-cut timbers or standardised fittings alongside period motifs.

Are marble tops original?

Most marble tops are original to the pieces, shaped precisely to match the serpentine or bombe contours of the wooden carcass below. Differences in marble colour, ranging from white to rouge, typically reflect the specific workshop and period of production.

Where were these pieces used?

Larger commodes served as principal storage furniture in grand bedrooms and reception rooms, holding linen or garments. Smaller bedside cabinets and nightstands functioned as personal companions beside sleeping quarters.

What is the difference between marquetry and parquetry?

Marquetry utilises varied wood veneers to create pictorial scenes, foliage, or floral sprays across the surface. Parquetry constructs repeating geometric patterns, such as cubes or basket-weave designs, using angled timber pieces.