A pair of Italian gilt-bronze-mounted fruitwood inlaid rosewood and marquetry commodes, Roman mid 18th century

each of serpentine form, the top inlaid with a scrollwork cartouche above two long drawers with a cartouche at each end and one enclosing an escutcheon with similarly inlaid concave sides above a shaped apron on cabriole legs terminating in gilt-bronze scrolled feet

In overall very good conserved condition and can be placed immediately. A fine pair and a strong model with nice detail to the marquetry. Colour less orange with more contrast between the various woods, more natural and attractive than in the catalogue photograph.The woods also include tulipwood and walnut.There are some old very minor marks, chips and scratches especially to the tops commensurate with age and normal usage. Rear legs reblocked on both and both tops strengthened underneath as both have some minor warping.The gilt-bronze feet appear to be original and are nicely cast and are slightly dirty and would benefit from a light clean according to taste. Old very minor restorations to the marquetry and veneer which is in very good condition.Evidence of old very minor woodworm which appears to be no longer active.There is a very minor restoration to the carved acanthus leaf on the top of the front left leg of one but this has been well executed and is hardly noticeable. Later runners on the drawers.
"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."

Comparative Literature:
Enrico Colle, Il Mobile Rococò in Italia, Arredi e Decorazioni d'interni Dal 1738 al 1775,  Milan, 2003, pp. 120-122.
Giacomo Wannenes, Mobili D'Italia, Milan, 1984, p.112, where an single Roman commode of identical form with very similar marquetry is illustrated.

This rare pair of Roman commodes in rosewood is skillfully inlaid with delicate sinuous foliate reserves in striking contrast with a light wood on a dark ground and represents the apogee of Roman intarsia work of the middle years of the 18th century. The taste in Rome for furniture inlaid in light woods on a darker background with a type of `seaweed' marquetry took inspiration from the German cabinet-makers working in Rome in the 18th century. This commode `e balestra' is often mistaken for Tuscan models, however, the more substantial form is typical of Roman commodes of this period.

Colle, op. cit., pp. 120-122, states that the form and decoration of the illustrated cassettone which in some respects reflects that of the offered lot, is by an unknown Roman ebanista active in the middle years of the 18th century. The escutcheon mounts on the illustrated cassettone and the decorative elements of the lighter coloured reserves enclosing the escutcheons and at each end of the drawers are very similar to those on the offered commode. Also see a commode with a marble top but of identical shape and similar lighter wood foliate reserves, illustrated by Colle, op. cit., p. 122.