18th C. Walnut Bordelaise Commode Bombé With Breccia Macchia Vecchia Marble Top

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Masterfully hand-carved in Bordeaux, France, during the 1700s, this walnut commode has tremendous movement, with bombé curves on multiple planes. … Read more Masterfully hand-carved in Bordeaux, France, during the 1700s, this walnut commode has tremendous movement, with bombé curves on multiple planes. The form is embellished by the (original) breccia macchia vecchia marble top, which is red with large gray, cream, and gold inclusions. Deep molding accentuates the polished marble that has angular barbs surrounding the rounded front corners. The marble substantially overhangs the main body, which has a depth of less than 20 inches (max depth of the marble is 23 ½ inches), allowing the commode to be placed in rooms where space is at a premium, such as a bathroom or hallway.

Each of the three drawers has a pair of sinuous pulls with foliate mounts that flank a pierced keyplate, each with a tasseled key. The apron on all three sides is rife with undulation, but the front is exceptionally full of movement. A pair of long, splayed S-curve legs in the front helps accentuate the form of the apron. The back legs are not quite as curvaceous but still have a visible arc, while all four feet consist of a volute over a pad. Although there are no carved motifs, the walnut commode is still the work of a master-level 18th-century ébéniste, as evidenced by the wonderful curves and protrusions. Our commode would make an elegant addition to any setting. See less