A gilt-bronze-mounted mahogany commode à vantaux attributed to Jacob Frères Empire, circa 1810

with a rectangular fossilised Belgian marble top above a frieze drawer mounted with winged female terms, the stiles with a diaper motif enclosing the mask of Medusa,  each door mounted with a neoclassical female figure of Diana in drapery holding in each hand a flaming torch standing on a globe, the door edge with a thyrsus, the lock hidden behind a sliding palmette opening to reveal a shelf flanked by two ionic freestanding columns on a shaped platform base

In overall good conserved condition. Strong model. There is a vertical hairline crack down both sides which can easily be filled. There are some very minor losses to the veneer in places which can easily be restored. Very nice quality mounts and flame mahogany veneer. The mounts are a little dirty and would benefit from a light clean according to taste. The frieze mount and collars on the columns are probably a later additions. The wood is a little dry looking in places and the piece would benefit from a light repolish according to taste. The inside of the right door is very scuffed and there is some staining to the brass border. The lock is ingeniously concealed. The marble has some very miniscule chips especially along the rear edge which are hardly noticeable and some scratches. The shelf is broken and no longer usable.
"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."

Comparative Literature:
Denise Ledoux-Lebard, Les Ebénistes du XIXe Siècle 1795-1889, Paris,1965, p. 302.
Jean-Pierre Samoyault, Mobilier Français Consulat et Empire, Paris, 2009, p. 46, fig. 54 and 55, p. 73, pl.13 and 44.

The form of this commode with two doors flanked by projecting columns and the gilt-bronze ornamentation are often found on the pieces by Jacob Frères which enable an attribution to this maker to be made.

The neo-classical females in drapery and  thyrsus used a device along the edge of a door are also a feature of Jacob's work. Ledoux-Lebard illustrates, op. cit., p. 302, a commode à vantaux with flaming torches on the stiles with fine flame mahogany veneer and beautifully cast mounts which are in many respects typical of commodes by Jacob Frères. Also see another related serre-papiers with two doors by Jacob-Desmalter delivered in 1810 for le grand cabinet of the Emperor at the Grand Trianon witha thyrsus along the edge of the right door as on the offered lot, a device often used by Jacob, illustrated, op. cit., p. 327.

The  inspiration for the neo-classical female figure of Diana with flaming torches in a design for a bed with a neo-classical female figure with drapery above her head, close to the female figure on the offered lot, by Charles Percier, ante 1800, now in the Metropolitan Museum, New York, op. cit., p. 46, fig. 55. The same figure depicted in gilt-bronze can be seen on a bed illustrated op. cit., p. 73, pl. 134, attributed to Jacob Frères after Charles Percier and Louis-Martin Berthault for the bedchamber of Madame Récamier in rue du Mont-Blanc in Paris, circa 1799, now in the Louvre Museum, Paris. It is also worthwhile considering the design for a bed by Jean-Charles Krafft and Nicholas Ransonnette, Plans, coupes et élévations des plus belles maisons et des hôtels construits à Paris et dans les environs, an. IX-1801, pl. 90, illustrated by Samoyault, op. cit., p. 46, fig. 54, with a neo-classical female figure probably Diana similar to the mounts on the door of this piece.

Finally, a related commode à vantaux in flame mahogany with freestanding columns and a flaming torch along the edge of the door which is stamped Jacob D./R. Meslée, was sold Sotheby's, Paris, 15th October 2003, lot 25 (€29, 750).