A Louis XVI style gilt-bronze mounted mahogany and flowerhead trellis parquetry commode after the model by Jean-Henri Riesener Paris, circa 1900

surmounted by a brèche grise de Serraveza marble top, fitted with two long drawers flanked by cupboard doors, the top drawer with a metalic plaque inscribed AMEUBLEMENTS DE STYLE/Meubles Sièges, Tentures/AU GROS CHENES/12, Rue Drouot/Paris.

Sold Sotheby's New York, 15 June 2005, lot 230

Marble top with old repaired break to back left corner, old repaired break to center and now showing restoration and infilling to the crack; the marble top showing two yellow stains to left side and a series of eleven small yellow dot stains to the right side; edges of doors and drawers with wear, chips and losses to veneers particularly to the top edge of the top drawer; both doors show vertical and horizontal cracks to the veneer consistent with shrinkage; the long drawers are difficult to open due to slight warpage and weight; gilt-bronze retains original gilding and have been cleaned at some stage; some green oxidation top cornucopia-form mounts to bottom right side; the leaf-cast banding mounts of both drawers are lifting; warpage to the upper part of the carcass with subsequent pressure on the doors. Age crack to right side door panel running vertically.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This commode is a copy of the celebrated model delivered in 1775 by Jean-Henri Riesener to King Louis XV for his private apartments at the Château de Versailles. It is now in the Musée Condé, Château de Chantilly.The commode is decorated with figures emblematic of Courage, Force, Prudence and Tempérence.