Antique French Apprentice Miniature Chest of Drawers, Louis Philippe Era, c.1840, Desk
The system of apprenticeship artisans and craftsman's training is still largely in place in France. Traditionally, a family would enlist their child (usually sons) to work for and learn from a Master cabinetry atelier, understanding it would take years of work and learning to eventually become not just competent, but also a Master, hopefully. The traditions are strong in France. The way these apprentices were tested to see if they'd mastered various levels of the craft was to have them produce scale miniature furniture pieces. From design to completion, even including hardware, this is how a trainee (apprentice) advanced and was given more skill instruction and experience. This is one of those apprentice miniatures. Collectors of antique dolls, in particular, love these, but I do also for the wonderful display pieces they represent. The one you see here is 19th century, and the 3-drawer and desk-shelf chest would be in the era and style noted as "Louis-Philippe", which puts in c.1840s.