A pair of Italian fruitwood inlaid pastiglia, rosewood, tulipwood, walnut and marquetry commodes, in the manner of Giuseppe Maggiolini, Lombard circa 1800

each with an associated fossilised grey and white mottled marble top above a frieze drawer inlaid with scrolling foliage and flowerheads, above two long drawers centred by a roundel inlaid with gadrooned neo-classical urns, a flowering tree, a mandolin and sheet music, the stiles inlaid with a female portrait medallion amongst neo-classical urns and foliage, the sides similarly inlaid to the front, on square tapering legs, with later gilt-metal mounts;one top restored, one marble slightly thicker

In overall good conserved condition. A most attractive pair which can be placed immediately and much more beautiful in reality than in the catalogue photograph. Attractive detail marquetry.There is a restored diagonal break to the marble top of the commode with the thinner marble top, however, it is not too noticable due to the veining in the marble. There is also a small chip to the corner of the same top and another small restored diagonal break to the other corner and some infill. There is very minor shrinkage to the veneer of both commodes throughout commensurate with age. There is horizontal hairline construction crack to the left side panel of one and the right side panel of the other commode together with a vertical hairline crack to left side of the other commode, which can either be left or easily filled. Both central drawers have a vertical hairline crack.
"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."

The finely drawn marquetry and carefully ordered design of these elegant commodes, executed in quarter-veneered panels of kingwood, relate them closely to the work of the Milanese cabinet-maker Giuseppe Maggiolini (1738-1814), Intarsiatore delle Altezze Reali. Maggiolini was one of the most celebrated Italian cabinet-makers of the neo-classical period. He worked extensively for the aristocracy of Northern Italy. His many projects included the furnishing of the Palazzo Ducale in Milan, the Villa Reale in Monza and the Palazzo Ducale in Mantua.

The motifs such as the neo-classical urn and musical instrument, scrolling foliage are a recurrent motif in Maggiolini's oeuvre. If not by him then they are by a skilled ebanista,as evidenced by the quality of the marquetry and fine details such as the mouldings around the edges of the drawers.

A related pair of commodes was sold Sotheby's Milan, 15th June 2004, lot 122.