A German rococo style carved giltwood commode, second half 19th century

the serpentine-fronted moulded top above two long drawers carved with a cross-hatched foliate pattern and leafy cartouches, the sides similarly carved, above scrolled legs ending in paw feet

Private European Collection

Orion-Semenzato, Monaco, 21 November 1993, lots 194-195

This elegant commode is in good conserved condition. The marble top has one repaired crack, marks and scratches consistent with age and use and minor chipping overall. One side of the commode presents a vertical crack which appears secure, the other two smaller vertical cracks. The construction joints are fairly visible on the front. The lining to the interior of the drawers, probably original, is worn in places. The piece, which might benefit from a light clean, is otherwise ready to place.
"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."

RELATED LITERATURE

B. Langer, Die Möbel der Schlösser Nymphenburg und Schleißheim, Munich, 2000, pp. 162-63

H. Ottomeyer, Die Möbel der Residenz München, Munich, 2000, pp. 204-8

A. Shick, Möbel für den Märchenkonig, Ludwig II. und die Münchner Hofschreinerei Anton Pössenbacher, Stuttgart, 2003

Together with the following lot, this impressive commode is in the South German taste traditionally associated with the name of François de Cuvilliés (1695-1768), active for the Wittelsbach court at Munich from the late 1720s, and instrumental in shaping the Rococo style not only in Bavaria but in all Germany. 

Cuvilliés provided designs for palaces - most notably the Amalienburg pavillion in the Nymphenburg Palace Park - and their interior decoration, including stuccoes and furniture. Most of these pieces are characterized by a richly carved and gilt or parcel-gilt decoration that was conceived as a substitute for the lavish gilt-bronze mounts of their French counterparts. 

These two lots nonetheless are high quality examples of this style revival, which had its peak with Ludwig II’s multiple building projects, namely at Schloss Linderhof and Schloss Herrenchiemsee where a number of interiors replicated this idiosyncratic Bavarian rococo style.