An Italian fruitwood, purpleheart and rosewood marquetry commode, Rome, circa 1775

While this elegant commode is quintessentially Roman in shape, it distinguishes itself from examples of the same period and place of origin because of its fine floral marquetry and its overall style transitioning from the rococo to the neoclassical.

Indeed, the serpentine outline, the contrast of woods, the long drawers and the hipped angles on cabriole legs with small sabots are evidently Roman. However, the dichotomy between the curved legs against the absence of a shaped apron makes this commode an interesting example at the crossroads of two styles.

Additionally, rather than featuring a parquetry or painted surface, this commode is inlaid with a floral marquetry much unusual for commodes of this period, but not improbable as seen in the oeuvre of the Roman cabinetmaker Giovanni Ermans circa 1770. While floral marquetry belongs to the rococo style in spirit, the foliate inlays quite thin and elongated on the present seem to even predict the neoclassical style.

Altogether, the making of such commode reveal the work of an Italian cabinetmaker with clear technical and creative skills.