Large walnut chest with straight lines ordered and shaped in the County of Périgord in the 18th century. This geographical origin is attested by a typically Périgord motif of an inverted V which houses the keyhole. The ironwork, lock, hinges and handles are all original.
Large walnut chest with straight lines ordered and shaped in the County of Périgord in the 18th century. This geographical origin is attested by a typically Périgord motif of an inverted V which houses the keyhole. The ironwork, lock, hinges and handles are all original.
Chest of Knight in walnut – 18ᵗʰ century – Périgord – [ME081]
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This chest makes us concretely perceive a key moment in the history of France. The moment when, after many fights, the knights are back in their lordships and will aspire to calm in a decorum that will greatly evolve. This will be clearly reflected in their furniture.
This chest is the perfect example.

Although intended to remain permanently at home, it preserves in its robustness, its ornamentation and its handles, the memory of its ancestors devoted to the chaotic chivalrous transport:

  • He is built as if to protect the weapons, scrolls and belongings he might have previously hauled around on convoys of rickety carts.
  • On the uprights on either side, there is the motif of a bird’s quill, surmounted by a flower. This decorative element makes it possible to date the creation of this chest very early in the 18th century, the feather of a bird, or outline feather, being a legacy of the Louis XIII style.
  • The handles that actually allow this chest to be lifted are also a survival from the 17th century, a period when chests systematically followed knights and their troops as they wandered.
Each side on the facade is decorated with a bird feather, a long and rigid feather that plays an essential role in the flight of birds. This vertical quill is surmounted by a fleurette motif. Under the bottom rail, you can recognize one of the two bun feet, that is to say in the shape of a ball.
On the uprights on either side, we see the motif of a bird's feather surmounted by a flower. This decorative element makes it possible to date the manufacture of this chest very early in the 18th century, the bird quill, or outline feather, being a legacy of the Louis XIII style.
The side handles, fixed with rosettes stuck in the wood, are a survival from the 17th century during which these chests were still taken on journeys by knights during their battles. This one, made at the beginning of the 18th century, will have had a sedentary life at the Château.
The handles that really allow this chest to be lifted are also a survival from the 17th century, a period in which chests systematically followed the knights and their troops as they wandered.

This walnut chest is underlined at its base by a large picture rail. The top tray shows natural wear which has benefited from a conservative restoration using the old process of wax trim.
Another remarkable element of this chest is its period ironwork. The key, the keyhole, the hinges that articulate the top and the handles fixed on solid rosettes are all original.
Finally, its origin from the County of Périgord is attested by the molding in the shape of an inverted V which serves to receive the keyhole, a particular sign of Périgord chests of this period.

These are large wrought iron hinges that keep this chest open. We can see that it was built to travel smoothly on rickety carts. His knight having left his armor in the cloakroom, he will in reality have led the life of a castle in a peaceful Périgord.
The open chest reveals the long hinges that keep its tray vertical. This opening allows you to appreciate the thickness of the walnut planks that make it up. Another remarkable element of this chest is its period ironwork. The key, the keyhole, the hinges under the top and the handles, fixed on solid rosettes, are all original.
We see here a close-up of the molding which, above the keyhole and to make room for it, ceases to be horizontal to take the shape of an inverted V. A specific trademark of the County of Périgord at that time.
The origin of the County of Périgord of this walnut chest is attested by the molding in the shape of an inverted V which is used to receive the keyhole. A particular sign of the Périgord coffers of this period.
Seen from above, we can see the natural wear and tear on the top of this 18th century chest. This wear was filled by the old process known as “garni ciré” to restore the original walnut boards.
The top tray shows natural wear which has benefited from a conservative restoration using the old process of wax trim. Like its 17th century ancestors, this chest was built to be able to transport the effects of its knight who had gone to war. Made at the beginning of the 18th century, it narrowly escaped the grueling war journeys to enjoy a peaceful existence, well sheltered in its castle.

Dimensions
Width: 107 cm, height: 78 cm, depth: 64 cm
Reference: [ME081]

Pour en savoir plus sur la vie de château, lisez l’excellente étude historique de Christophe Morin
« AU SERVICE DU CHÂTEAU ».

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