“Armoire” comes from the latin word armarium which referred to the place where the arms were kept. After the bed, the bench, and the table, the armoire is one of the most ancient types of furniture in history. In the beginning, it was a recessed space built into the wall which closed by one or two doors, where weapons, clothes, jewels, and other precious items were locked away. From a stationary closet, the armoire developed into an independent structure that one could move to assure the same function. Of all types of furniture, the armoire is the one that has changed the least throughout the centuries. 

It is exciting to feature a stunning example of perhaps the most recognized and largest type of French “provincial” furniture. This armoire was made in the region around Lyon. It dates from 1730-1740 and is made of sculpted, well preserved, walnut.

Wardrobes of this size were grand and rare possessions at the time, and they are naturally even rarer today. Much of an armoire’s artistic value is due to its size and architecture, which is less rigid here than previous styles. The rococo style hasn’t reached the level of verve and curvilinear expressionism that it will later. This transitional rococo style, Regence, is a stylistic evolution that took place during the first three decades of the 18th century.

Surprisingly, this armoire has retained its original key and impressive locking mechanisms. The lock is signed by Pierre Calonier (1689-1754) who lived in St. Etienne near Lyon.

H: 9ft 4in. L: 65in. W: 28in.

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