An Italian pale green painted and parcel-gilt carved small commode, Roman, third quarter 18th century

the serpentine moulded hinged top opening to reveal an interior applied with green material and gold braiding with a recessed oval in the top above four conforming drawers carved with flowers and foliage above a shaped apron between foliate carved stiles on cabriole legs joined by a floral and scroll-carved hinged undertier carved with a basket of flowers and stylised scallopshell revealing a padded kneeler on scrolled feet, the serpentine sides decorated with scrolling flowers and foliage, the back with a c-scroll cartouche centered by a stylised scallopshell and acanthus sprays

 

 

 

In overall good conserved condition.There is a rectangular hairline construction crack in the top and some scattered age cracks generally with a small crack to the right hand side of the basket of flowers and a horizontal crack along the back as visible in the catalogue photograph which are not too noticeable and commensurate with age and can be left. Very attractive detail to carving. Some very minor chips generally which are hardly noticeable and evidence of old very minor worm which appears to be no longer active. There is a small water stain to the top which can be touched up.
"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:
Alvar González-Palacios, Fasto Romano, Rome, 1991, cat. 112-114, Tav LX, p. 173-174.
Enrico Colle, Il Mobile Rococò in Italia, Arredi e Decorazioni d'Interni dal 1738 al 1775, Milan, 2003, p.136.
G. Morazzoni, Il Mobile Veneziano del’700, Milan, 1958, Tav. CDLXIV a.

This type of small commode with a retractable kneeler (to serve as a prieu dieu)is specific to Rome and dates between the rococo and neo-classical period. It consists of a small commode with drawers destined for a bedroom. This piece has several rare features including the carved back forming a centrepiece and the hinged top. See a very similar example illustrated by A.G.P. op. cit., Tav LX (no. 112), in a private collection, which is the pair to the one sold Sotheby's, Rome, 18th May 2004, lot 510 (40,000E).