Rare Karges French Provincial Artist Signed Cherry Chest Faux Marble Top Commode

Description

This masterfully executed Karges Transitional Three-Drawer Chest (Model No. 287) bridges the gap between classic European opulence and bespoke American craftsmanship. Drawing heavily from Venetian and Tuscan regional aesthetics paired with standard Louis XV design fluidities, the commode features chamfered stiles over subtle cabriole legs and a gently shaped apron. Its meticulous structural build showcases a stunning, trompe l'oeil faux-marble wooden top, which features organic swirling veins of deep amber, sienna, muted olive, and sage greens to mimic premium variegated Italian marble.

Below this dramatic surface, the chest is built from premium hardwood solids wrapped in select cherry veneers. What elevates this extraordinary case piece is its elaborate, timeworn surface, which features an expert antiquing process utilizing faux-distressed wood grain lines and hand-splattered fly-specking to create an authentic centuries-old European patina. The hand-painted facade and side panels boast intricate classical iconography executed by artisan Terri Dickman.

The drawer faces feature a central Neoclassical-style profile cameo medallion framed by a gilded oval border and flanked by symmetrically placed, fluidly rendered stags or hounds emerging from sweeping ochre and olive-green acanthus scrolls. The corner margins of the drawer panels are embellished with delicate, hand-drawn cobweb motifs, while the vertical corner pilasters are adorned with a meticulously stacked trailing leaf garland in muted greens, accented by tiny ochre berries. Mirroring this artistry, the flat-panel sides of the chest are framed in a deep forest-green painted border, centering a secondary Neoclassical cameo medallion that sits vertically between delicate ochre and sage-green floral pendants, further flanked by a pair of whimsical, fluidly painted birds in flight.

Because Karges operated as a strictly made-to-order, ultra-high-end workshop, finding a custom-decorated specimen of this caliber—explicitly hand-decorated and signed by renowned Karges finish artisan Terri Dickman—is exceptionally rare. Bearing an original MSRP exceeding $20,000, this specific chest stands as a museum-quality testament to luxury furniture production, commanding immense appeal among serious estate collectors.

Condition

Good Vintage Condition; Gently Used. Second drawer lock missing cover plate

Dimensions

52.5" x 21.5" x 37.5" (W x D x H)