Lot 404
A rare and important George III period plane-wood and satinwood bombé shaped commode, circa 1770
Auction: 8 December 2006 at 11:00 GMT
Description
with rosewood crossbanding and boxwood and ebony stringing, decorated with floral marquetry and neo-Classical arabesque and anthemion inlay work, the double serpentine top and half serpentine sides above three sans traverse drawers with brass ring handles and gilt brass escutcheons, raised on French style splay feet
Dimensions
125cm wide, 83cm high
Footnote
Provenance: The Estate of the Hon. Ann L. Fraser.
The quality of this commode suggests that it was made in the London workshops of a skilled immigrant cabinet maker of the 1770's; a possible attribution being Pierre Langlois, with inlay work by Zurn. Note the 'transitional' nature of the decoration, from foliate marquetry to neo-Classical inlay, as well as the 'transitional' methods of construction, involving a French cabinet maker adapting to the demands of wealthy London clients. The mahogany drawer linings with the fronts veneered onto horizontally laid blocks follow established English techniques, while the lack of dust boards and overhanging drawer fronts are echoes of the maker's continental origins. The florid and finely cut inlay work married with expensive drawer linings in a pure commode form are an example of the immense impact that French design and craftsmanship had on the development of English furniture.
Two label fragments on the reverse of the commode inform us that it was offered as a lot in 'The Art Collections of the Late Viscount Leverhulme', sold by the Anderson Galleries in New York on February 24th 1926. The commode was lot 13 in part 5 of the sale and was sold to a Miss H Counihan, an agent, for $2,250.00 (£1,216). Lord Lever had purchased the commode from David L Isaacs, the esteemed Oxford Street antiques dealer, on July 15th, 1913 for £350 ($647). We know from the inventory mark in the catalogue that it was in the Lever's London residence, The Hill in Hampstead. At the time of the auction in 1926, the New York Times commented that Lever was a "unique figure among the great collectors … art purchases were a necessity to him … he surrounded himself with the finest he could buy!"
Shortly after the sale, the commode was acquired by Lord Fraser of Allander. It has remained in the Fraser family collection by descent, now forming part of the estate of the Hon. Ann L. Fraser.
References:
'Catalogue of Commodes',. Lucy Wood. ISBN 0112905323.
P's. 6&7. No's. 13, 16 & 17.
'The Age of Satinwood', Percy Macquoid. ISBN 1851700803.
Fig's 718,719 & 721.
The Antique Dealers' Fair & Exhibition 1955. Grosvenor House.
Catalogue entry for Mallett & Son (Antiques) Ltd.
'The Dictionary of English Furniture', V.II. ISBN 0907462375.
Fig's. 19, 21 & 23.