A gilt-bronze-mounted kingwood, amaranth, sycamore and marquetry commode attributed to André-Louis Gilbert Louis XV/XVI Transitional, circa 1770

of gentle breakfront form with a veined white marble top with curved corners above two drawers inlaid with a landscape, the sides inlaid with a capriccio on cabriole legs with gilt-bronze mounts throughout

Landhuis Belvedère in Overveen

In overall good conserved condition. Old minor marks, chips and scratches commensurate with age and normal usage. The marble top is probably later and has some very minor marks, chips and areas of infill but these are not too noticeable. There are some sections of veneer missing e.g. rear left stile and front right leg and there are some patches to the veneer on the rear right stile, where there is a construction crack where it meets the right panel on the side. There are some scattered age crack and hairline construction cracks generally especially across the drawers as visible from the catalogue photograph. The wood is a bit dry looking especially on the legs and would benefit from a re-polish. The mounts are dirty and would benefit from a light clean according to taste. The apron mount is probably later as there is evidence of a previous mount and some of the gilt-bronze banding on the stiles are possible later.
"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:
G. de Bellaigue, 'Engravings and the French Eighteenth Century Marqueteur', Burlington Magazine, May 1965, pp. 240-250 and July 1965, pp. 356-363, and 'Ruins in Marquetry', Apollo, January, 1968, pp.12-16.

This commode seems to belong to a celebrated group of Transitional commodes executed by André Louis Gilbert (1749-1809, maître in 1774) and other famous ébénistes, all apparently inspired by the paintings of Hubert Robert (1733-1808) and by Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720-1778). According to Geoffrey de Bellaigue, the pictorial and architectural marquetry panels on these pieces appear to have been made by one or a group of specialty marqueteurs who supplied furniture to Parisian marchands-merciers and ébénistes, including Jacques van Oostenrik, dit Dautriche, Pierre Denizot, Léonard Boudin, Pierre Roussel, Pierre Macret, Martin Ohnenberg, Nicolas Petit, Charles Topino, Christophe Wolff and of course André Louis Gilbert.

Apart from the pictorial marquetry the specific shape and the ormolu mounts of the present commode can be compared with another commode attributed to Gilbert, formerly in the Collection of Ailsa Mellon Bruce, sold Sotheby Parke Bernet, New York, 6 May 1977, lot 159; Christie's New York, 26 October 2001, lot 414.