A fine Italian fruitwood inlaid amaranth, tulipwood, kingwood marquetry commode together with a pair of bedside cupboards en suite, attributed to G.B.M. late 18th century

the commode with a rectangular top inlaid with a roundel depiciting Leda and the swan above  frieze drawer inlaid with ribbon-tied profile antique medallions interposed by neo-classical urns suspending fruiting swags above two long drawers inlaid with a roundel depicting Europa and the bull, the stiles inset with Piranese-type motifs with similarly inlaid sides on square tapering legs, the whole with foliate borders, the bedside cupboards with two later shelves

Generally: The colour is less yellow and slightly darker overall and more attractive than in teh catalogue photograph.Old minor marks, chips and scratches commensurate with age. Old minor restorations to veneer, which have been very well executed. Minor sections of veneer missing, which can easily be replaced and restorations to the veneer which have been well executed. Attractive detail to marquetry. Commode: The top drawer has been fitted later with silk lined compartments. The left side is rather faded compared to the rest and would benefit from a repolish according to taste. There is a hairline crack on the left panel due to shrinkage, which shows evidence of previous restoration, which is opening up again, but can easily be filled. There is some very slight warping on the right side, which is resulting in minor cracks to the veneer. Bedside cupboards: These are slightly darker in patination than the commode and have probably been repolished. The tops on both are slightly warped, which has resulted in some craquelure and splitting to the veneer. One top is slightly more distressed than the other. There is a vertical hairline construction crack down the sides of both which shows evidence of previous restoration, which are opening up again which can easily be filled. There are also horizontal construction cracks across the door, which show evidence of previous restoration. One is slightly more faded than the other. Later internal shelves. Inside of door on one strengthened and door of the other restored internally to strengthen the crack across the frieze on the cupboard on the left of the photograph. An attractive suite in overall good conserved condition, which needs very minor attention.
"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."

Comparative Literature:
A.G.Palacios, Il Gusto dei Principi, Arte di corte del XVII e del XVIII secolo, Vol I, Milan, 1993, p. 308, figs 612-614, for a related commode and pair of beside cabinets signed G.B.M. and dated 1797, conceived in a similar vein.