A bois satiné and mahogany commode stamped R.V.L.C.JME Louis XV / XVI, Transitional, circa 1765

with a moulded mottled peach, grey and white marble top, above three short frieze drawers and two long drawers, with cabriole legs on paw feet with gilt-bronze mounts throughout

By repute Louis Paul Pierlot (1766-1791). He was Receveur Général, fournisseur pour l'Armée and Régent de la Banque de France VIIIème Siège from 1806 to 1812. He was also Intendant le la Maison de l'Impératrice Josephine then for Queen Hortense.
Julius César Hilaire Leboeuf (1772-1847), Count of Valdahon, a distinguished soldier, painter and inventor.

Some very minor splitting in the veneer, which is in generally good order with some very minor restorations which are hardly noticeable. Some chips to marble top especially along the rear edge and the top is a little dirty and would benefit from a light clean according to taste. Evidence of previous knee mounts. An attractive model in overall very good condition.
"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."

This model of commode is inspired by the series of commodes delivered by Jean-François Oeben to the Marquise de Pompadour to furnish his various residences. They were also known as `commodes à la grecque' and no less than fifteen commodes of this form were  listed in the inventory of the château de Menars.

One of the sisters of R.V.L.C. also known as Lacroix married Oeben's sister and there are striking similarities between their production and it is known that they collaborated on pieces.

A related commode in mahogany stamped R.V.L.C. was sold Sotheby's, Monaco, 11th December 1999, lot 137. Another related mahogany commode also stamped, was offered for sale as lot 169, Sotheby's Monaco, 24th June 2000. Finally a bois satine commode stamped by R.V.L.C. with lion mask corner mounts was sold in these Rooms, lot 61, 15th June 1990.

Roger Vandercruse, called Lacroix (1728-1799), received master in 1755. R.V.L.C. was the son of the ouvrier libre François Vandercruse, born into a family of exceptional craftsmen. He became related to all the important ébénistes of the time, as three of his sisters married two famous contemporaries such as Oeben and Riesener. His daughter married Levasseur. He executed various Royal commissions and worked for the marchand-mercier Gilles Joubert who exclusively supplied the French Court.