A Louis XV gilt-bronze mounted kingwood, amaranth and holly wood commode, Paris, circa 1750, stamped by Jean-Pierre Latz

Related literature

P. Kjellberg, Le mobilier français du XVIIIe siècle, Paris, 1989

H. Hawley, "Jean-Pierre Latz, Cabinetmaker," The Bulletin of the Cleveland Museum of Art, September/October 1970

Originally from Germany, Jean-Pierre Latz settled in Paris in 1719 as a cabinetmaker. He became a favored craftsman to the king before 1741 and established his workshop on the rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine. He specialized in the production of clock cases, Boulle marquetry, and also in floral and kingwood marquetry. His talent and mastery allowed him to supply an international clientele, including Frederick II of Prussia, Augustus III of Poland, Madame Elisabeth, daughter of Louis XV, for her palace in Colorno, Parma, and also the Duke of Vendôme.

He produced numerous commodes with floral marquetry and original gilt-bronze mounts. Indeed, Latz, like the cabinetmaker Charles Cressent, made his own bronze mounts, which led to legal action from his guild. Our commode is unique because it features very little bronze, notably none on the apron, but a discreet gilt-bronze border surrounds the movement of the piece. The handles are also very discreet, allowing the floral marquetry to unfold across the front. Several commodes with this same decoration and border have been offered at auction, such as one sold at Europ Auction, Paris, on 29 January 2010, lot 124; another at Tajan on 14 June 2005, lot 56; one at Aguttes, Neuilly-sur-Seine, on 8 December 2003, lot 113; and finally, one at Sotheby’s London on 13 December 1996, lot 107.