A pair of Spanish mahogany and parcel-gilt commodes first quarter 19th century

An unusual pair in otherwise good conserved condition.There are some very minor chips along the rear edge and front corners of the marble tops and both have restored breaks. The colour of the mahogany is less red and slightly darker and more natural and attractive than in the catalogue photographs. The lockplate is missing from the top drawers. There are some hairline cracks in the veneer commensurate with age. The drawer fronts have attractive flame mahogany. The bases have some scratches and scuffs as visible from photograph and both have a drawer in the platform base. There are some minor restorations to the veneer and some hairline cracks generally commensurate with age. There are some minor sections of veneer missing to the base of the left frieze. The front of one is slightly more scuffed than the other as visible from photograph.
"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 pair of commodes with their well-figured veneers and gilded ornament are of a style popularised and promoted by the designs executed and illustrated by C. Percier and P.F.L. Fontaine in Recueil de Décorations Intérieures Comprenant Tout Ce Qui A Rapport A L`Ameublement .. Paris 1801. They studied art and architecture in Paris in 1779 before moving on to stay several years in Rome where they studied not only ancient ruins but Renaissance architecture. Moving back to Paris in the early 1790's they produced designs for the celebrated furniture maker Georges Jacob. They quickly gained popularity and worked for Joséphine Bonaparte wife of the then First Consul who was to subsequently proclaim himself as the Emperor Napoleon I. They redecorated the château of Malmaison outside Paris and also worked on the chateau at St. Cloud and the Tuileries palace. They also worked in Spain for the Spanish King Charles IV ( 1788-1808) in the magnificent Gabinete de Platino in the Casa del Labrador and published the designs in the Recueil de Décorations intérieures. The present commodes reflect the influence of these designs with their carved ancient Egyptian inspired supports and gilded stiles.Typically of Spanish furniture the supports and stiles are in carved giltwood rather than gilt-metal.

For a further comparison see a commode of related form illustrated by José Massot Ramis d`Ayreflor, El Moble a Les Illes Balears,1995, p.191 and also a pair of Spanish commodes, Sotheby`s London, The Peter Zervudachi Sale, 10-11th June 1998, lot 296.