An ebony and mahogany commode stamped twice G. Beneman JME Directoire, circa 1790 and later; remounted

of gentle breakfront form, with a veined white marble top with canted corners above three short drawers and two long drawers, panelled with gilt-bronze banding, the later handles in the form of  twisted rope with rope-tied branches of oak leaves, with brass fluted stiles, the apron with ribbed brass panels, on turned tapering legs, terminating in gilt-bronze toupie feet; alterations

Old very minor marks, chips and scratches to marble top commensurate with age. Restorations generally to the veneer which has been well executed and are hardly noticeable.The bronzes are later additions. The short drawers have been relined. The bottom drawer and the frieze below have been heightenend. There are several hairline construction cracks down both sides which can easily be filled. On the bottom drawer the screw is missing on the top of the gilt-bronze banding which is slightly loose but this can easily be re-pinned. Attractive figuring to the mahogany veneer. A very chic piece in otherwise good restored 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."

Born and trained in Germany, Guillaume Beneman moved to Paris and received his first royal commission in 1784.  At this time the Garde-Meuble Royal were seeking an alternative to Riesener to supply the various royal palaces.  Jean-Haure, a wood carver himself, was the head of Garde-Meuble Royal.  He originally ordered furniture from the dealer Daguerre and hired Beneman to repair the existing furniture and provide the more functional pieces.  By 1786, however Beneman began to supply copies of commodes by Joubert and he substantially altered other pieces in the collection to become more fashionable.  By 1788 the Garde-Meuble gave Beneman materials and tools "sufficient for 20 workers".  He supplied furniture to compliment pieces by Weisweiler for the Château de Saint-Cloud.  Other commissions included pieces for Versailles, Fontainebleau and the Tuileries.