A gilt-bronze-mounted fruitwood, sycamore, mahogany, amaranth, yew wood, marquetry and parquetry commode after the model by Jean-Henri Riesener, French, late 19th century

with elaborately cast gilt-bronze mounts throughout, of gentle breakfront form, with a veined white marble top above three frieze drawers and two long drawers inlaid with a fruit and flower-filled basket and a ewer and a recorder and trawl on scrolled feet the whole inlaid with trelliswork parquetry enclosing flower heads, the feet with the initials PB

In good condition. Some tarnishing to the brasses and old marks and scratches consistent with age and use. The marble top has some chips to rim and the reverse which may benefit from a clean according to taste.
"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 design of the present lot is based on the celebrated commode created by Jean-Henri Riesener in 1778 for the private rooms of Louis XVI at the Château de Fontainebleau and later transported to Versailles to furnish the king’s library. It is sometimes known as the “Commode du Concordat” or the “Treaty Commode” as it was in Pope Pius VII’s room at Fontainebleau during his visit in 1801. It encapsulates Riesener’s style, with its distinctive rosette marquetry pattern, fine quality mounts, tripartite breakfront and central trapezoidal panel depicting a lavish still-life in marquetry. It was a popular model amongst the best 19^th century cabinet makers working in the French revival styles, such as Paul Sormani and François Linke. An almost identical 19th century copy by Dasson was sold Collections des Ducs de Mortemart Château du Réveillon, Sotheby's, Paris, 11 February 2015, lot 112 (€81,000).