Swedish Gustavian Style 1860s Painted Chest with Five Drawers and Fluted Motifs

A Swedish Gustavian style painted chest circa 1860 with five drawers, discreetly marbleized top, carved fluted accents, tapered feet and fluted side posts. Experience the quiet elegance of Scandinavian design with this Swedish Gustavian style painted chest, dating back to circa 1860. This handsome piece radiates timeless grace, combining practical storage with elegant aesthetic details.

The chest’s rectangular top features subtly protruding, canted corners. This surface is delicately painted with veined motifs, emulating the grandeur of marble yet maintaining a discreet allure. It is a testament to the craftsmanship of the time, marrying functionality and artistry with unassuming sophistication.

Below the top, a harmonious assembly of five drawers provides convenient storage. The two upper drawers, carved with fluted motifs, are fitted with brass pulls, reflecting the classical style of the period. The three larger drawers beneath showcase elegant hardware that complements the drawer design perfectly.

Canted side posts, adorned with the same fluted motifs, frame the drawer layout, giving the chest a pleasingly balanced appearance. These posts lead the eye to the tapered feet, subtly angled in the front to add another layer of visual interest.

Reflecting its Gustavian roots, the chest is painted in a characteristic Scandinavian color palette. A touch of slight distressing adds character and hints at its rich past. Simple panel sides feature horizontal molding, alluding to the presence of the two upper drawers on the front. The back remains unfinished, further adding to its rustic charm.

The Gustavian Style takes its roots in the Louis XVI era. Swedish King Gustav III resided in 1771 in Paris, at the beginning stages of the Louis XVI style. There, he was inspired by French art and fashion. With that in his luggage, he had a strong desire to introduce something similar in Sweden. The country had fine craftsmen with high quality craftsmanship, who produced a simple style with harmonious aesthetics. The Gustavian Style was born and has been in vogue ever since. It is incredibly popular, especially in England but also in France and in the USA. Price and age are of course inextricably linked, the older and rarer the higher the price!

This Swedish Gustavian style painted chest is not just a piece of furniture, but a reflection of the timeless Scandinavian design ethos. It effortlessly integrates form and function, bringing a touch of historical elegance to any space.