Gilles Joubert was eighty years old when he delivered this chest of drawers to the French royal family. It is one of a pair that was made for the Versailles bedroom of Madame Louise, a daughter of Louis XV. The Journal of the royal household's furnishings records its delivery on August 28th, 1769, along with the name of its maker, its dimensions, a detailed description of the piece, and its assigned inventory number, 2556.2, which is boldly inscribed on the back. The trellis marquetry mounted with gilt-bronze rosettes at the cross-sections is a decorative motif frequently found on Joubert's furniture. The thick gilding, large size, carefully detailed mounts, and heavy marble top all contribute to an overall impression of luxury suitable for a royal owner.
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