A fine pair of Bavarian Rococo commodes, after François de Cuvilliés, probably Munich mid 18th century

the shaped marble tops grey-coloured, the corpus of pine and linden-wood, applied with carved wood foliate scrolls and strapwork forming cartouches, flowers issuing from cornucopiae, fitted with two drawers, the drawer pulls and escutcheon plates of gilt brass, the bottom rails carved and pierced en suite, the legs lightly scrolled with sturdy lower section wrapped in acanthus, painted faux bois, underside with labels, one numbered in ink 332, and individually numbered 273 and 274

Related literature:

H. Kreisel, Die Kunst des deutschen Moebels, Munich, 1970.
B. Langer, Die Moebel der Residenz Muenchen, vol. II, 1996.
Masterpieces of the J. Paul Getty Museum, Decorative Arts, Singapore, 1997.
A. Schick, 'François Cuvilliés and Joachim Dietrich; the Furnishings of the Treasury in the Munich Residenz', The Burlington Magazine, June, 1996.
A. Schick, 'Moebel nach Entwuerfen von François de Cuvilliés d.Ae.', Muenchner Jahrbuch der bildenden Kunst, 1998.

Drawer pulls and escutcheon plates replaced, structure sound; one commode with moulding on either side detached but extant, the skirt bottom section in centre and foliage on the side replaced, other sections missing; the other commode with section of moulding missing from either side, the skirt lacking section of foliate carving in the centre bottom. Wear to the painted surface of both commodes. The scagliola tops with restored cracks.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This and the following pair of commodes, along with the console tables, all exemplify the South German Rococo and that of the capital Munich in particular. Foremost architect and designer of the period was the Fleming François de Cuvilliés the Elder (1695-1768).

Born near Brussels and of very small stature, he entered the service of Maximilian II Emanuel, the Elector of Bavaria, as a court dwarf when he was only eleven years old. After instructions in mathematics and engineering, he was sent to Paris to study architecture. This he did under François Blondel. Upon his return to Munich he was appointed court architect, responsible for designing the staterooms in the Residenz, and at castle Nymphenburg the Amalienberg pavilion.

Fifty-five books were published by this gifted artist between 1738-1756, contributing greatly to the dissemination of the Rococo style throughout Europe.

It is in this environment that the design of the commodes and console tables herewith offered, have to be placed. The applied Rococo carvings relate directly to those on a pair of cream-coloured and parcel-gilt commodes offered at auction by Sotheby's London on 13 December, 2000. There the curved legs were carved with satyr's heads and the aprons pierced with more elegant foliage and rocaille. The catalogue illustrates and discusses another pair of commodes, now preserved in the J. Paul Getty Museum, a single commode in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and a pair of commodes still preserved in situ at the former Palais Holstein. The carved decoration on all the commodes discussed in that context is related to Joachim Dietrich (1690-1753), a Franconian sculptor in the employ of the Bavarian Elector Karl Albrecht.

The present group, lots 46, 47 and 49, is of more modest and restrained design, the faux bois decoration may in fact form part of the original concept and setting.

Apparently made en suite to the console tables, lots 46 and 47 and the Rococo commodes, lot 49.