A MAHOGANY SERPENTINE COMMODE

This commode is derived from patterns by Thomas Chippendale, illustrated in The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director, 1754 (pls. XLIII and XLV), entitled 'French Commode Table' patterns, which evoke the highly fashionable George III 'picturesque' taste. Actual examples of Chippendale's commodes with a similar exaggerated flanges to the side angles and apron were supplied for Goldsborough Hall, Yorkshire (C. Gilbert, The Life and Work of Thomas Chippendale, London, 1978, vol. II, figs. 226 and 270) and Nostell Priory, Yorkshire (ibid., fig. 227). Other cabinet-makers, influenced by Chippendale, also developed their own versions of this 'French Commode', such as Henry Hill of Marlborough, who is stylistically known for his distinctive scalloped apron and the Wakefield firm, Wright and Elwick, also well known subscribers of the Director. The latter enhanced the patterns with their own embellishments and characteristics, such as the cusped quatrefoil double panel to the canted angle, a feature which can been on this present commode.