A fine and rare German gilt-bronze-mounted red lacquered and silvered wood commode, Dresden mid 18th century

with a later moulded mottled liver and white marble top, above two short concave fronted drawers and one long bowed and another long shaped drawer with bombé sides above a shaped apron on splayed legs, the whole carved with trails of flowers, anthemions and acanthus leaves, within scrolled cartouches on a stippled ground; some retouching to the decoration and mounts regilt

Schloss Moritzburg, Dresden
Fischer-Böhler, Munich

`The Age of Rococo, Art and Culture of the Eighteenth Century', 4th Exhibition under the patronage of the Council of Europe, 15th June -15th September 1958, The Residenz, Munich, p. 863. 

Colours overall slightly stronger and red, less orange and much more attractive than in the catalogue photograph. Some very miniscule chips and pitting to the marble top, but this is hardly noticeable. There is a minor restoration to the front right corner, but this has been well executed. There are old, minor marks and chips generally commensurate with age and usage. There is evidence of glue repairs internally, and the wooden top and the rear stiles have been ebonised. Attractive detail to the decoration. In overall very good conserved condition. Rare model and colour.
"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:
H. Kreisel, Die kunst des deutschen möbels, Spatbarok und Rokoko,Munich, 1968, plate 740, for a design by J.M. Hoppenhaupt circa 1751-1755, reproduced here in fig.1, which may well have inspired the maker of this commode with its swelling bombé form and two short drawers above three long drawers. 

The rarity of this commode lies in its colour scheme of red and silver-as many of these lacquered commodes were in white and gold especially those originating from Potsdam. For further information on Frederick the Great's taste for silvered furniture, see footnote to lot 125. The incised decoration is also a rare feature.

Johann Michael Hoppenhaupt (1709-c.1755) was born in Merseburg and trained in Dresden and Vienna and arrived in Berlin on Frederick the Great's accession to the Prussian throne. In 1746, Hoppenhaupt replaced Johann August Nahl (see lot 125) under whom Hoppenhaupt had worked as a woodcarver, as `Directeur des Ornements'. He decorated Schloss Sanssouci where his greatest achievement was the Music Room. Hoppenhaupt's designs for projects for interiors and furniture were engraved by J.W. Miel and published in 1751 and 1755. A number of the drawings relate to furniture in the palaces of Potsdam including commodes. The latter were generally of bold bombé form and carved with floral and foliate motifs.