A PAIR OF EMPIRE GILT-BRONZE MOUNTED MAHOGANY COMMODES BY PIERRE MARCION CIRCA 1810 |

each with a rectangular fossilised black marble top above four long drawers, on ebonised paw feet, one stamped four times P MARCION

Formerly in a Distinguished Private European Collection;
Sotheby's London, A Private European Residence, 3 March 2006, lot 54.

Jean-Pierre Planchon, Marcion, ébéniste de Napoléon, Saint-Rémy-en-L’Eau, 2007, p. 69 (illustrated).

This elegant pair of commodes is in very good conserved condition. The mounts have been re-gilt at some stage. There is minor age-related shrinkage to sides of both; one particularly significant shrinkage has been filled and sensitively restored. The back of one with signs of old repairs to wood boards. Otherwise with minor old marks and scratches commensurate with age.
"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."

Pierre-Benoît Marcion (1769-1840) was one of the leading ébénistes of the Empire period and in terms of both quality and quantity the most important supplier to the Napoleonic Court after Jacob-Desmalter. In 1805, he began working for the Garde-Meuble Impérial and over the following seven years proceeded to supply a significant quantity of case and seat furniture to the newly-refurnished palaces of Saint-Cloud, Fontainebleau, Compiègne, and the Grand Trianon. He also received commissions from prominent generals and members of Napoleon's court, including Eugène de Beauharnais and Murat. Related commodes by Marcion include one delivered for the bedroom of the Roi de Rome at Compiègne, illustrated in Planchon, op. cit., p. 176 (Mobilier national, GME C/247/000), and a second one, also with paw feet, sold Sotheby's Monaco, 17 June 1990, lot 352. One other pair, firmly attributed to Marcion, was sold Sotheby's London, 8 March 2016, lot 131 (£87,500).