#7210 • $32,000+ Italian Museum-Quality Louis XVI Style Ormolu-Mounted Marquetry Demilune Commode Italian Master Craftsmanship, 40"H
Part of $5 Million Manhattan Fine Rug Gallery Closure, Online Auction (live auction by Prime Auction Solutions)
High bid $9,500.00
Status: No sale
An extraordinarily fine Louis XVI style gilt-bronze mounted marquetry commode à vantaux of exceptional quality and monumental scale, handcrafted by Italian master artisans in the distinguished tradition of the great 18th century French ébénistes. The Form: Of elegant demilune (half-moon) form, this palatial credenza rises on six acanthus-sheathed toupie feet with finely chased gilt bronze sabots. The sophisticated serpentine silhouette displays the harmonious architectural proportions that defined the Neoclassical aesthetic of the Louis XVI period. The Marquetry: The façade presents an exceptional display of marquetry virtuosity. The curved side panels feature trompe l'oeil cube parquetry in the manner of Jean-François Oeben—a geometric illusion of three-dimensional cubes executed in contrasting precious woods. The magnificent central panel showcases a trophée de musique in the finest marquetry tradition, depicting a classical lyre, French horns, sheet music, and floral garlands—motifs emblematic of the refined artistic culture of the French court and beloved by Queen Marie-Antoinette herself. The Bronze Mounts: The commode is adorned throughout with extraordinary ormolu (gilt bronze) mounts of museum quality, executed using the ancient cire perdue (lost wax) casting technique and finished with 24-karat gold gilding. Highlights include: Exquisitely modeled female caryatid figures at the front corners, their flowing drapery and classical poses reminiscent of Greco-Roman antiquity A Vitruvian scroll frieze along the upper rail with rosette medallions and palmette designs Cascading ribbon-tied floral swags and festoons draped across the parquetry panels Acanthus leaf chutes and scrolling foliate mounts Finely chased rosette roundels and classical ornaments Each mount has been individually hand-chased and finished by skilled ciseleurs (chasers) using specialized tools and techniques unchanged since the 18th century. The Marble Top: Surmounted by a shaped cream Carrara marble top with conforming molded edge, perfectly fitted to the serpentine form. The Interior: The cabinet opens via four paneled doors to reveal a fitted interior with adjustable shelving, demonstrating the same attention to quality throughout. Provenance & Craftsmanship: This specimen represents the pinnacle of contemporary Italian craftsmanship in the Louis XVI manner, following techniques and designs inspired by the legendary royal cabinetmakers Jean-Henri Riesener (1734-1806) and Guillaume Benneman—whose original works now reside in the Louvre, Château de Versailles, and Château de Fontainebleau. Such pieces were originally created for the private apartments of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette and represent the absolute zenith of European decorative arts. Condition: Very good. The piece displays minor wear consistent with age, including light surface wear to the marble, gilt bronze mounts and minor patina variations to the gilding. These gentle signs of age enhance the authentic character of this handcrafted work and are to be expected in a piece of this quality and craftsmanship. Size: 85"W x 24"D x 40"H A commanding statement piece suitable for the grandest reception rooms, this commode represents a rare opportunity to acquire furniture of true palatial quality.
