A LOUIS XIV VARNISHED BRONZE MOUNTED EBONISED, TORTOISESHELL, TINTED HORN, BRASS AND MOTHER-OF-PEARL MARQUETRY COMMODE ATTRIBUTED TO NICOLAS SAGEOT |

the top centred with Bacchus' chariot, the curved front opening with three drawers

Galerie Maurice Segoura, Paris

The illustration is accurate. In good overall condition. The tortoishell marquetry has been restored and partially replaced. Nice engraving and details to the marquetry. The varnish of the mounts is slightly tarnished. The commode has been recently restored and is ready to display.
"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."

This commode, remarkable for the quality and abundance of marquetry decoration, has many similarities with other commodes from Nicolas Sageot's production (1666-1701). Sageot is cited active during the 1690s and is listed on Grande Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine in 1698. He worked as a free laborer before being admitted to the cabinetmakers guild. His output consists mainly of cabinets, commodes and desks decorated with tortoise shell and brass marquetry in the style of André-Charles Boulle (1642-1732), shortly becoming one of the main competitors.

Sageot also worked as a decorative arts dealer, and archives reveal that he occasionally subcontracted his marquetry panels to renowned inlay artisans including Toussaint Devoye (active from 1706 to 1748). This dealer endeavor blurs the representation of his craftsmanship. The NS stamp can be affixed onto his created furniture or on wares that he sold (see P. Hugues, op.cit., P.639 and 649).

The marquetry decoration is clearly inspired by Jean Bérain's works (1640-1711), one of the most influential ornamentalists from Louis XIV's court. After 1670, he was employed by the French crown as an engraver and was appointed Architect Draftsman to the King's Chamber and Cabinet in 1674. His mission involved drawing plans for royal parties and celebrations. In 1690, he was chosen as head decorator of the Louvre apartments in collaboration with André-Charles Boulle. His drawings of furniture, woodwork and fireplaces were the core of collections.

Among comparable commodes, we cite one with a similar counterpart decoration, auction Treasures, London, 8 July 2015, lot 14.