A Danish rococo gilt-bronze mounted parcel-gilt walnut and carved giltwood bombé commode Copenhagen, circa 1760, attributed to Matthias Ortmann

with a later mottled white marble top above three drawers

Bruun Rasmussen, Copenhagen, 8 December 1976, lot 628

A decorative piece in overall fair conserved condition, with minor marks and scratches consistent with age and use. The gilt decoration refreshed. The sides with shrinkage as expected. The mounts possibly with some replacements; one bronze chute loose. There are traces of old woodworm which appears to be no longer active. Overall with minor loses to carved detail and some veneers. A handsome piece that would benefit from further attention.
"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:

H. Kreisel, Die Kunst des deutschen Möbels, München, 1970, fig. 853.

The characteristic bombé outline and parcel-gilt decoration on this commode relates it to known pieces by the celebrated cabinet-maker Matthias Ortmann, active in Copenhagen between 1733 and 1757. A similar commode with the stamp of Ortmann’s workshop and now in the Kunstindustrimuseet, Copenhagen, is illustrated in Kreisel, op. cit., fig. 853. A comparable pair of commodes was sold these rooms, 12 December 2001, lot 148.