A Transitional gilt-bronze mounted kingwood, tulipwood and parquetry commode by Jacques Dautriche circa 1770

the brêche d'Alep marble top above three short frieze drawers and two long drawers inlaid sans traverse, stamped J. Dautriche

Formerly in the collection of Victor Cavendish-Bentinck, 9th Duke of Portland (1897-1990);
Thence by descent

The commode is in reasonable conserved condition, with marks, scuffs and scratches consistent with age and use. There are losses and minor lifting to the front drawers veneer, together with signs of old restorations. The sides with some shrinking cracks and splits in part repaired. The right gilt-bronze chute with a broken but secure swan; the gilt-bronze handles are loose. Overall a very good and solid piece that would benefit from further restoration.
"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:

S. M. Bennet, C. Sargentson, French Art of the Eighteenth Century at the Huntington, San Marino, 2008, pp. 90-91;
J. Nicolay, L’art et la manière des maîtres ébénistes français au XVIIIème siècle, Paris, 1956, p. 126.

Jacques Dautriche, received maître in 1765. 

This commode resembles other pieces made by Dautriche, who employed the characteristic marquetry of quatrefoil heads - normally purplewood - within lozenges on a number of other pieces, such as on a secrétaire illustrated in Nicolay, op. cit., p. 126, or on a commode formerly in the collection of Baron Nathaniel de Rothschild, sold Christie's New York, 26 October 2001, lot 290.

The distinctive frieze is found on at least two further commodes, one sold Artcurial, 19 June 2012, lot 44 and, interestingly, on one other with identical marquetry stamped by Pierre Garnier now in the Huntington Collection (cf. cat. 20, p. 90), which, however, was probably also executed by Dautriche.