A PAIR OF ITALIAN ORMOLU-MOUNTED ROSEWOOD, WALNUT AND FRUITWOOD COMMODES

This pair of neoclassical commodes with their strikingly contrasting veneers and pure lines is typical of the avant garde Roman production of the early 19th century. The handles modelled as Etruscan masks are particularly reminiscent of Luigi Valadier's designs of the last quarter of the 18th century, at which time he was working on the renovation of the interiors of the Villa Borghese, Rome. Valadier's designs include a related study for a commode that can be dated circa 1780 (see A. Gonzàlez-Palacios, Il Gusto dei Principi, vol.II, ill.458, p.231).

The pierced ormolu border of the top, as well as the gilt-metal beading on the handles and legs are, however, a feature more typical for Spanish furniture produced during the reign of Carlos IV, suggesting the commodes might not be Italian after all.