A pair of neoclassical polychrome and parcel-gilt commodes, Rome, circa 1780

the marble-veneered top above two drawers

W. Apolloni Gallery, Rome

Related literature:

A. González-Palacios, Arredi e ornamenti alla corte di Roma, Milan, 2004;
E. Colle, Il mobile Neoclassico in Italia, Milan, 2005;
G. Lizzani, Il mobile romano, Milan, 1970.

The illustration of the catalogue is accurate. More vibrant in reality. The marble top: Good overall condition. The painted and giltwood elements: There are the inevitable dents, marks, cracks and scratches due to age and use. The gilding is slightly rubbed and tarnished. After examination under UV light, there are some refreshing to the background as expected, and the giltwood garlands and elements are in good condition with the original gilding. The inside structure of both commodes has been reinforced with pieces of wood. Extremely rare pair of commodes. Stunning. Very good preserved condition.
"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."

The present pair of highly sophisticated small commodes, or comodini, relates to designs by Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720-1778), whose influential Diverse maniere d'adornare i camini (Rome, 1769) had an extraordinary resonance in the Roman decorative repertoire throughout the latter half of the 18th century. 

One relatable console table with similar carved rams' heads holding laurel swags on cabriole legs ending in hoof feet is illustrated by Palacios, op. cit., p. 216. Painted decoration in Rome is rare, although it achieved a certain popularity in the transition between the late Rococo and the early Neoclassical periods. Examples with painted floral decoration are found in prestigious princely collections, see for instance a console table of slightly later date in the Villa Borghese (Colle, op. cit., pp. 146-47) and a suite of painted furniture at Palazzo Pallavicini Rospigliosi (Lizzani, op. cit., p. 118, fig. 200). Our pair of commodes is also rare because few examples are documented : it is more common to see prie-Dieu with the same form and a shelf on the lower part.