A fine Louis XV/XVI ormolu-mounted tulipwood and marquetry commode circa 1775, attributed to Gilbert

with three long drawers veneered sans traverse.

Marble top in excellent condition. Carcass and veneer in excellent restored condition. Color overall slightly deeper than in catalogue illustration. Some wear around top right hand handle.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

André-Louis Gilbert specialized in making furniture veneered with panels of architectural marquetry which were often executed in the manner of Hubert  Robert, and in the manner of Pierre-Antoine Machy as on a commode in the Frick Collection, discussed by Geoffrey de Bellaigue, Ruins in Marquetry, Apollo, 1968, LXXXVII, pp. 12-21, figs. 8, 9; see also T. Dell, Furniture in the Frick Collection, 1992, pp. 376-377.

Gilbert made marquetry panels which he sold to his fellow ébénistes and on July 19, 1780 he advertised in Les Petites Affiches a secrétaire à abattant surmonté d'une bibliothèque dont les panneaux montrent des temples en ruines (Comte de Salverte, Les ébénistes du XVIIIe Siècle Français, 1953).  A commode by Charles Topino (maître 1773) and a fall front secrétaire thought to be by LePage, incorporates marquetry panels depicting ruins in much the same manner as on the offered commode, illustrated, de Bellaigue, op. cit. pl. 37 and 44, the latter also incorporating an obelisk in the center of the panel.