A FRENCH ORMOLU-MOUNTED KINGWOOD, MAHOGANY, AND MARQUETRY COMMODE

This cabinet is inspired in form by a splendid Japanese lacquer-mounted commode by Martin Carlin delivered in 1785 to Madame Victoire, daughter of Louis XV, for her use in the grand cabinet at the Château de Bellevue and today in the collections of the Louvre (OA 5498). This commode was part of a larger suite of lacquer furniture the princess received at Bellevue including a console table, a writing table, an occasional table, and a pair of encoignures, all with floral garland mounts, the spirally-fluted columnar angle supports, and toupie feet. Most of these pieces are in the collections of the Louvre (inv. OA5498; OA5499).
In the 19th century, leading makers produced elaborate replicas of some of the most famed pieces from the end of the preceding century. A nineteenth-century example of this commode by Alfred Beurdeley but with lacquer panels most closely reflecting the original similar commode, was sold Christie’s, London, 16 November 2017, lot 483 (£112,500 including premium).