18th Century Boldly Contoured Dutch Commode - 33¾" x 37"

Boldly contoured yet softened by its layered pale cream patina, this small 18th-century Dutch commode features a serpentine four-drawer front beneath a shaped scalloped top and stands firmly on bracket feet.  The drawers are graduated in size, with the upper two slimmer and the lower two deeper, accentuating the sweeping curves of the case. Crafted in pine or fir, it has a recent layered painted patina in pale cream with warm undertones that emphasize the exaggerated S-curves of the case and sides. Rococo-style bronze handles are likely later additions, yet they suit the form perfectly. The drawers glide smoothly, though they no longer lock (no key).

 Bombe chests of this profile emerged in the Dutch interpretation of Rococo during the mid to late 18th century, translating the French taste for movement into a more grounded Northern aesthetic. The swelling façade, shaped overhang, and ornamental bronzes exemplify the era’s pursuit of graceful line and lively shadow, while the four long drawers speak to daily utility within refined households.

This commode brings presence to an entry hall beneath a gilt mirror or a piece of contemporary art, its pale, timeworn surface softening architectural lines with quiet elegance. In a living room it serves as a console for a lamp and a cluster of blue-and-white ceramics, while in a bedroom it offers romantic charm and practical storage. The neutral palette layers effortlessly with linen upholstery, sisal, and aged oak, lending a gently historic note that harmonizes with both traditional and modern interiors.