A gilt-bronze-and-brass-mounted satinwood and mahogany commode, in the manner of Molitor Louis XVI, Circa 1790

with a rectangular three-quarter galleried veined white marble top within a balustrade, the border cast with beading and tasselled drapery, above projecting corners with fluted Doric columns and mirrors, with three long drawers, on tapering feet, with gilt-bronze panelling throughout

Sold in these Rooms 14^th June 2000, lot 68

 

Ulrich Leben, Molitor, London, 1992, p. 89.

 

There is a vertical crack down the right hand side which can easily be filled and there is also a filled horizontal crack in the middle drawer and restored minor cracks generally, which have been very well executed and are hardly noticeable. The gilt-bronze gallery above the rear left leg is slightly warped and there is a casting crack in the drapery frieze on the left side and some old minor resoldering in places on the balustrade. Some very minor dents to brass banding. Very attractive veneering. In overall very 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."

This commode with its elegant freestanding fluted columns and combination of shimmering satinwood  and tapering toupie feet is typical of the oeuvre of Bernard Molitor, (received Master in 1788) and can be attributed to him on stylistic grounds.

`In England, mahogany has been dethroned by a novelty, which charms us by its lemon-yellow colour. Because of its satin brilliance,we commonly call it bois des îles or Satin Wood', commented the Journal des Luxus in April 1974, according to Leben, op cit., p.89. Commissions for Molitor were executed by him in bois des îles in Paris, around 1786 and 1790 for the Palaces of Fontainebleau and Saint-Cloud. Several pieces in satinwood by Molitor are mentioned in documents. The ébéniste uses an overall surface finish `en pointe de diamant' whenever he has covered a surface entirely in satinwood veneer,'thus accentuating the magical play of light over its surfaces' according to Leben, op. cit., p. 89.

A related commode in acajou moucheté attributed to Molitor, of similar outline was sold, lot 265, The Arts of France sale, Christie's, New York, 21^st October 1997.
Another related commode stamped by Molitor was sold Christie's, London, 11^th June 1992, lot 119.