Importante commode en secrétaire à têtes d'égyptienne en placage d'acajou et bronze doré d'époque Empire, estampillée P. MARCION

ouvrant à un large tiroir à l'anglaise en ceinture et deux portes ; les vantaux décorés de médaillons figurant de Victoires ailées sur fond de tôle peinte à l'imitation du bronze patiné ; les montants ornés de bustes d'égyptiennes ; reposant sur une plinthe ; belle ornementation de bronze doré : palmettes, thyrses et rosaces ; dessus de marbre bleu turquin



with large drawer à l'anglaise and two doors, each with imitation-bronze metal medallions featuring Winged Victories; with pedestal and fine ormolu mounts (palmettes, thyrses, rosettes and Egyptienne corner busts) and blue turquin marble top.

Galerie Maurice Segoura , Paris

J-P Planchon, Marcion, Ebéniste de Napoléon, 2007

The illustration is pretty accurate. Please note that there is a mistake in the catalogue and that this commode does not form a secrétaire : there is a large drawer indeed, but it does not include a writing stand. The model is impressive, large size and good proportion together with an architectural design. The veneer is in good condition with very minor marks to the varnish. The structure is solid. The veneer has also a good colour with fine timber and flammed veins. The giltbronze mounts of good quality. Minor wear overall and have been cleaned. The marble top with some minor marks and scratches. As said, the commode is in very good example of the quality of furniture making during Empire. It is in good and well preserved 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."

Pierre-Benoît Marcion (1769-1840) fut l'un des principaux fournisseurs de Napoléon Ier, le second après Jacob. Sa production fut importante, il sollicita en 1812 un brevet lui permettant de porter le titre d'ébéniste et menuisier en meubles de S. M. l'Empereur, mais sa demande n'eut pas de suite. Cette commode de grande qualité s'inscrit véritablement parmi les meubles les plus réussis et raffinés de sa production. Marcion qui affichait, dès 1807, la profession de "fabricant de meubles et bronzes dorés" semble avoir utilisé certains ornements en bronze doré sur un évantail varié de sa production : la composition de la rosace associée aux culots et palmettes présente sur notre commode se retrouvent sur les montants des lavabos de l'Empereur et sur la commode (C81D2) conservés à Compiègne. Les têtes d'égyptiennes sur le haut des montants sont identiques à celles ornant la table à décor de plaques de porcelaine offerte par l'Empereur au prince de Bavière à l'occasion du mariage de de la princesse Stéphanie Napoléon avec le prince de Bade en 1806 (conservée au Bayerisches Nationalmuseum à Munich).

Pierre-Benoît Marcion (1769-1840) was one of the leading suppliers to Napoleon I, second only to Jacob. His output was considerable, but in 1812 he petitioned unsuccessfully for the title of Ebéniste et Menuisier en Meubles de S.M. l'Empereur (Cabinet-Maker to the Emperor). This superb commode is probably one of the most successful and refined pieces he ever made. From 1807 Marcion styled himself a "maker of furniture and gilt bronzes," and he seems to have used certain gilt-bronze mounts on a whole range of items: the composition on our commode, involving rosettes associated with culots and palmettes, can be found on the mounts of the Emperor's wash-basins and commode in Compiègne (C81D2). The Egyptienne heads are identical to those adorning the table with porcelain plaques (now in the Bayerisches Nationalmuseum, Munich) which Napoleon gave to the Prince of Bavaria, on the occasion of the marriage of Princess Stéphanie Napoléon to the Prince of Baden in 1806.