Lot 72
  • 72

A pair of Italian burr elm commodes, Emilian, probably Parma, circa 1760

Estimate
60,000 - 100,000 GBP
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Description

  • poplar, pine, burr elm
  • each 94cm. high, 148cm. wide. 68cm. deep; 3ft. 1in., 4ft. 10¼in., 2ft. 2¾in.
each of bombé form with a gilt-bronze banded veneered mottled pink and peach marble top above two long drawers above a shaped apron on cabriole legs terminating in gilt-bronze hoof feet, with gilt-bronze mounts throughout

Condition

In overall good conserved condition. One marble top has an old repair to the corner. The other marble top has minor restorations to the corners and a chip to the centre of the rear edge which can easily be filled. There are some circular areas of discolouration showing a copper colour along the gilt-bronze border which is not too noticeable. There are scattered age cracks and construction cracks which have been filled.
"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."

Catalogue Note

Comparative Literature:
Maurizio Agnellini, Mobili Italiani del Settecento, Milan, 1990, p. 64, for very similar commode with identical hipped legs.
Luisa Bandera, Il Mobile Emiliano, Milan, 1972, p. 144-145,  plates 178-179 for Parmese commodes.
Enrico Colle, Il Mobile Rococo in Italia, Arredi e Decorazioni d'Interni dal 1738 al 1775, Milan, 2003, pp. 300-301, no. 70.
Giuseppe Cirillo-Giovanni Godi, Il Mobile a Parma Fra Barocco e Romanticismo , 1600-1860, Ermano Albertelli, 1983, pp. 134, plate 333 and p. 157, plate 401.

This pair of commodes are rare as few examples of this type, influenced by the Louis XV style are recorded which so perfectly reflect the elegance and quality of the ebanisteria from this region. The swelling bombé form and restrained decoration, in particular the burr wood veneer providing the sole means of decoration is typical of commodes originating from Emilia Romagna, Parma in particular.

Examples of this type of commode are illustrated by Cirillo-Godi op. cit., p. 134, plate 333, for a Parmese commode in the Palazzina di Caccia, Stupinigi, which was at Colorno (Inv. no. CR C 1094) and probably made by a Court artisan, possibly Michel Poncet who in 1757 had `fait une commode de Placage en Bois de Racine' with bronzes. Another related commode with a wooden as opposed to a marble top, is illustrated by the aforementioned authors, op. cit., p. 157, plate 401.

Colle, op. cit., pp. 301-302, no. 70 illustrates an Emilian commode, circa 1760, of similar form but more elaborately inlaid with a cartouche, similar hipped legs, marble top and gilt-bronze hoof feet as  on the offered pair. The author states that in Parma there is documented  a series of similar commodes commissioned by Filippo di Borbone and his consort Louise-Elisabeth from Parmigiano, ebanisti for the Ducal residence. 

A rare pair of three drawer burr wood commodes stated to be Emilian, Modena, was sold Sotheby's, Milan 10-11th July 2007, lot 336 (E156,000).