A gilt-bronze-mounted kingwood, tulipwood and walnut commode Louis XV, by Johannes Lefevre, dated 1764

with a mottled peach and cream marble top above two short and two long drawers, inscribed `Fecite Johannes Lefevre 1764' ; partially reveneered; restorations

Christie’s, Ven House, Somerset, 21-22 June 1999, lot 459

Please note the image in the printed catalogue is flipped. In overall good conserved condition. Some very minor chips especially along the rear edge and there has been a replacement to the front left corner of the marble top. The marble top has been restored. A section of the knee mount appears to have been regilt. There is a section of the acanthus leaf on the knee mount in the middle of the left side which is missing but this is not too noticeable. The right side veneer is more faded that the rest and would benefit from a repolish. The gilding on the mounts is slightly rubbed in places but the casting is of good quality. There are some very minor losses to the veneer along the front top edge which can easily be restored.
"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."

Tantalisingly, there is no known ébéniste by the name of Johannes Lefevre, though several commodes in the goût Règence were executed by Louis Michel Lefevre who received maître in 1749. Two closely related examples to the present commode are illustrated in P. Kjellberg, Le Mobilier Français du XVIII Siècle, Paris, 1989, pp. 497-498.