Antique Rare Fine Pair of French Marquetry and Gilt Bronze Mounted Commodes in the Louis Xvi Style, After Jean-henri Riesener

Antique fine French rare pair of early 20th century mahogany, fruitwood marquetry and gilt bronze mounted commodes In the Louis XVI Style, after the original model of the commode commissioned for the bedroom of Louis XVI at Versailles (d. 1774) by Jean-Henri Riesener (French, 1734-1806). The two-drawer and two-side door "D" shaped commodes both boast a white and mottled white-gray marble top resting on the base which depicts four armorial bronze figures emblematic of Courage, Force, Prudence and Tempérence. The centre marquetry panel with a floral still life and vase design flanked on each side by cherubs emblematic of Bienfaisance and Justice below a sunburst mask ormolu mount; the lower apron centred with a sphere with Fleur-de-lis, a French term meaning "lily flower," is a stylised emblem or device often associated with French royalty, and representing purity, light, and life surmounted by two floral cornucopias. The rounded sides each fitted with a cupboard door.

The original commode was made in 1774 by J.H. Riesener for Louis XVI's bedroom at Versailles. The commode's central panel was inlaid with the ciphers of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, which, after 1789 was replaced with a pastoral scene as on the offered commodes. The original commode is now in the Condé Museum, Château de Chantilly.

Dimensions;

No 1

Height 97.5 x Width 212 x Depth 79 cm (38.38 x 83.46 x 31.10 in)

No2

Height 97.5 x Width 212 x Depth 81.5 cm (38.38 x 83.46 x 32.09 in); marble cut slightly larger

Dated 1900

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