A fine and rare pair of Italian fruitwood inlaid kingwood, tulipwood marquetry and parquetry commodes late 18th/early 19th century

the rectangular top inlaid with an octagon with scrolling foliage, above a frieze drawer inlaid with an alternating band of heart-shaped motifs and bellflowers above a band of Vitruvian scrolls and two long drawers inlaid with an octagon a grotesque mask, with canted stiles the sides inlaid with an octagon enclosing scrolling foliage, on stylised Greek key brackets on fluted toupie feet

The Cusani-Confalonieri Collection
Sold Sotheby's, Milan, 4th December 1993, lot 581.

`Spunti scenografici in un arredamento' Novità, no. 89, March 1958, pp42-43.

Colour much less yellow than photo with good contrast of woods and much more attractive than in the catalogue photograph. Superb quality marquetry. Some very minor restorations to veneer which have been very well executed and hardly noticeable and some minor sections of veneer missing . Escutcheons are different and may well have been replaced. There are some later wooden supports beneath the top internally and also inside to strengthen but these do not detract from the piece. There are some hairline splits but these are not too noticeable and are commensurate with age. One of rear left blocks is missing some of its veneer which can easily be restored. A most impressive pair of commodes in overall good conserved condition. Highly recommended. Measurements: H = 92 cm; W = 128 cm; D = 63 cm
"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 charming pair of commodes inlaid on the frieze with hearts, bellflowers and Vitruvian scrolls together with the octagon on the drawer fronts and brackets joining the feet to the apron is reminiscent of the oeuvre of Giuseppe Maggiolini, the pre-eminent Italian cabinet-maker in the late 18th century. He was also known for the fine veneers which he contrasted and used to great effect as on the present commodes. However, it is not possible to date, to attribute this pair of commodes to a particular maker, as many Italian cabinet-makers were working in this style in the late 18th century no doubt inspired by Maggiolini's superlative craftsmanship.

A related pair of commodes by Maggiolini inlaid at the front with an octagon was sold Christie's, London, 23rd June 1999, lot 95.