18th Century French Walnut Armoire - 95" x 72" x 28¼"

This exceptional French armoire in solid walnut dates from the late eighteenth century and displays remarkable quality and beauty in both design and craftsmanship. It features a sweeping chapeau de gendarme cornice, whose elegant curves recall the hats once worn by Napoleon’s gendarmerie and give the piece its distinctive name. The harmonious proportions, combined with the luminous honeyed walnut now revealed beneath its removed varnish, create an elegant presence. The softly burnished patina glows with warmth, while traces of ancient wormholes and gentle wear add authenticity and charm. Long bronze hinges and a full-length interior locking bar highlight the superior construction, and the original lock and key remain intact. Inside, five fixed shelves offer practical storage, while classic bun feet provide stability and balance. The armoire can be disassembled and reassembled with ease, and earlier restorations were carried out with care, preserving both function and beauty.

Rooted in the provincial Louis XV style, the piece combines a sinuous cornice with deeply molded panels that balance refinement and practicality. With its fixed shelving, it would have originally served as a linen press for textiles and tableware, making it equally at home in a salon, bedroom, or dining room.

Today, the grand scale and pale finish of this armoire make it an elegant focal point in any setting. It offers refined storage in a dining room, functions as a graceful wardrobe in a bedroom, and brings warmth and texture to contemporary interiors. The sculpted cornice draws the eye upward, adding height and timeless beauty to the room.