A Régence 'Boulle' marquetry commode attributed to Noël Gérard, circa 1720

Didier Aaron gallery, Paris;

Private Collection, Europe;

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Galerie Didier Aaron, Paris;

Collection privée, Europe;

A similar commode in première partie marquetry is illustrated in A. Pradère, L’Art du Mobilier Français, Paris, 1990; p. 113 (Fig. 70). It has the identical design, bronzes and marquetry, but the original marble has been replaced by a Portor panel. The author attributes the chest of drawers to the ébéniste Noël Gérard, based on a comparative piece from the famous Kotschoubey auction in Paris in 1906 - similar bronze fittings can be found on it. Another commode with identical corner bronzes was sold at Koller, Zurich, June 1994 auction, lot 1032). Another 3-drawer commode with Boulle marquetry with the same bronze corners and the same marquetry, attributed to Noël Gérard, comes from the R. Hoe collection in New York and was sold at Christie's on 19 May 2004, lot 131.

Nöel Gérard

Noël Gérard ébéniste and marchand-mercier active between 1710-1736, is recorded as being established in rue du Faubourg-Saint- Antoine in 1719. His business prospered and he soon moved to the hôtel of the financier Jabach at the corner of the rue Saint-Martin in the financial and luxury goods quarter. In addition to his trade as an ébéniste he became one of the most important marchands-merciers in Paris. His illustrious clientele included the Comte de Clermont and the ex-King of Poland Stanislas Leczczynski amongst others. He also supplied furniture to foreign ambassadors such as the ambassador of Spain and the Marquis de Castellas. It is also recorded that ébénistes supplied him with carcasses.

He stocked mounts for various pieces and actually had bronzes chased in his own workshop for his own furniture.