A LOUIS XV GILT-BRONZE-MOUNTED BOIS SATINÉ, CHINESE LACQUER AND VERNIS MARTIN COMMODE, MID-18TH CENTURY |

with a brèche d'Alep marble top, restorations

Collection of Gustave de Rothschild (1829-1911);
thence by descent to his son Robert de Rothschild (1880-1946);
Madame B.;
sold Piasa Paris, Succession de Madame B. provenant des anciennes collections Gustave et Robert de Rothschild, 11 June 1997, lot 146;
where acquired by the current owner.

This impressive commode is in good restored condition. Partly re-veneered, particularly to front and back corners. The lacquer displaying even craquelure throughout and areas of retouching. The left side shows minor horizontal crack barely noticeable and the right side has similar crack which has been conserved. Very minor losses and repairs to veneers. The mounts have been cleaned showing areas of wear and rubbing where expected e.g. handles, corner mounts. Gilt-bronze frame on lower left drawer is replaced. The attractive period breche d'Alep top probably original.
"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."

This elegant commode typifies the refined taste for exotic materials incorporated into fanciful pieces of furniture, as promoted by leading marchand-merciers of the day, such as Thomas-Joachim Hébert. Indeed, they established a new aesthetic for lacquer-mounted furniture: re-used Chinese lacquer elements would now conform to European forms as luxurious surface decoration, rather than attempt to evoke an actual imported Asian cabinet. Therefore, this present commode can be admired for its elegant ormolu mounts, framing the landscape scene in Chinese lacquer according to the Louis XV taste.

Identical corner and apron mounts are identified on commodes sold HVMC, 29 April 2018, lot 55, stamped by Charles-Joseph Dufour (maître 1759), one stamped by Delorme and Felix in this sale, another one sold Etude Tajan, Paris, 9-10 December 1996, lot D, stamped Mewesen.  Robert de Rothschild inherited this commode from his father as well as a collection of artworks, which he placed in his hôtel de Marigny, Paris, in his Deauville residence and in the Laversine Château overlooking the Oise. After Robert, the commode passed on to Madame B. whose exact identity remains uncertain. However, it is highly likely that she was Robert's daughter, Diane Cécile Alice Juliette de Rothschild (1907-1996), who married in 1952 the pianist, Giuseppe Joseph Benvenuti.