A kingwood and marquetry commode Louis XV, circa 1740, in the manner of Bernard II van Risen Burgh, BVRB

with a shaped moulded marble top and gilt-bronze mounts, above two drawers, on splayed legs, with a branded stamp to the reverse HB beneath a crown, partially re-mounted

Partially re-mounted as stated in the catalogue: Both rear sabots are later as is the line mount on the front right hand side leg. Top right hand handle on drawer lacking a small section. The gilding on the line mounts on front around the drawers and on the sides are rather worn. Some inconsistency to the colouring and quaility of the line mounts on front legs. Minor chips to marble consistent with age and use but which do not detract. Minor losses and repairs to veneers throughout particularly on the edges of both drawers and to the left hand side of the bottom drawer. Age cracks to left hand side.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Bernard II Van Risen Burgh, known as B.V.R.B. is now regarded as the greatest  ébéniste of the Louis XV period. He was of Dutch origin and was apprenticed to his father, later setting up his own workshop in Rue de Reuilly, in the Faubourg Saint-Antoine. Throughout his career, he worked for the most important marchand-merciers in Paris, such as Hébert, Lazare Duvaux and Poirier and did not come into direct contact with his illustrious clientele such as the French crown and foreign courts. After 1740, B.V.R.B. revived the art of floral marquetry which had gone out of fashion in France by 1700 and perfected marquetry in bois de bout  which was a particular trade mark of his. He also employed Oriental and European lacquer panels and Sèvres porcelain panels on his furniture which was distinguished by its design, gilt-bronze mounts and construction.

The present commode can be compared with a commode by Van Risen  Burgh and bearing the mark BV for the Château de Bellevue, formerly the residence of Madame de Pompadour, then of Mesdames, daughters of Louis XV and which was exhibited in Paris `De Versailles a Paris, le Destin des Collections Royales', 1989, no. 75. Comparisons can also be drawn with another commode by BVRB  and illustrated  in Pierre Kjellberg, Le Mobilier Francais du XVIII Siècle, 1989, p.129, fig. E.