A pair of Spanish silvered-metal-mounted carved giltwood and mahogany commodes, late 18th century

each with a rectangular mottled grey and white marble top with projecting angles above two short and three long drawers applied with beading and foliate banding and with silvered escutcheons and handles, the central ones with a hinged patera enclosing the lockplate, the fluted stiles with a female bust in drapery with a floral headdress on tapering double block feet, the sides applied with a pierced foliate motif centred by a beaded patera and with a foliate swag and cornucopiae

In overall very good conserved condition and the commodes can be placed immediately. A very elegant and rare pair. The colour overall is slightly darker and more natural and attractive than in the catalogue photograph. Old very minor marks, scattered chips and scratches to the marble tops of both especially along the rear edges and to the front right and rear left corner of one commensurate with age and normal usage. Hairline spllits in the veneer as visible from the catalogue photograph commensurate with age which do not detract from the piece and can be left. Old very minor restorations to the veneer some of which have infill. Two escutcheons on bottom drawer on one and a giltwood female bust replaced. The silvering is rubbed in places on some of the mounts with the brass showing through which is not visible in the catalogue photograph.
"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."

Due to the personal involvement that Carlos IV had in the refurbishment of the royal palaces and the French furniture from the likes of Carlin, Weisweiler, Jacob and Benneman, the activity of the royal workshops of cabinet-making and bronze in Madrid - the Talleres Reales, created by his father Carlos III-lead to a considerablye improvement in the quality of Spanish furniture, moving its focus in terms of inspiration from Italy to France. Royal cabinet-makers such as José López were working in the French taste and delivered Louis XVI style pieces to the Palacio Real de Madrid, for example, the exquisite set of eight console tables, executed in partnership with the silversmith and bronzier Domingo de Urquiza.

The present exceptional commodes are a rare product of this environment and are exceptional in terms of both their design, quality of craftsman and beautifully cast silvered mounts. They reflect particularly the architectural style of Guillaume Benneman (1750-1811), namely in the fluted pilasters and faceted feet. Their exquisite parcel-gilded  foliate decoration on the side in low relief and the characteristically Spanish silvered handles, convey a hybrid sensibility to this grand version of the Louis XVI style.

There is a  commode in the collection of the Marqueses de Campo Real in Madrid which can also be related to the offered commodes in terms of design, scale and similar employment of mounts.