The last large piece of Louis XV furniture still preserved in France in private hands, the chest of drawers from the King’s Chamber in Fontainebleau is an exceptional piece of cabinetry from the finest production of Gilles Joubert (1689-1775).
Installed in Fontainebleau in 1754, this chest of drawers was placed in response to a second chest of drawers by the same maker. Both chests of drawers were later moved to the Château de Choisy, then to the Château de Marly where they remained until the Revolution.
The chest of drawers features an elegant rosewood and violet wood veneer on an oak frame. It is richly adorned with chased and gilded bronzes and is topped with purple Brescia marble.
The harmonious proportions, the liveliness of the design, the restlessness of the bronzes, the quality of the gilding, the direction of the veneers and their contrast, the play between the design of the veneer and that of the bronzes, make this piece of furniture ‘a moment of perfection in French art’!
A national treasure for Fontainebleau...
The Château de Fontainebleau is actively seeking patrons to bring back this piece of furniture, which is essential to the history of France and is a testimony to the refinement of Louis XV’s décors in Fontainebleau. The chest of drawers is a major cultural and heritage asset and has been recognised as a national treasure in order to facilitate its acquisition.
The tax provisions for the acquisition of a national treasure are very advantageous.
For companies, under the provisions of Law 2002-5 of 4 January 2002 relating to museums in France, the tax reduction is equal to 90% of the amount of a donation made in cash, up to a limit of 50% of the corporation tax due (only for the financial year in which the donation was made). In addition, the Château offers 5% in direct compensation (provision of space, tours, entrance fees, visibility, etc.).
Private individuals wishing to participate in its acquisition are entitled to the usual advantage of 66%.
GOAL: €1,000,000
