Research:
Of cherrywood and glitwood. Each rectangular quarter veneered oncolite limestore top with carved gilt undermold above a hinged front panel with repeating pearl molded border and centered by a large carved and gilded ‘grotesque’ mask escutcheon with central keyhole. The panel lifts and recedes to reveal three drawers, each with gilt brass oval drop handles flanking a central oval escutcheon. The whole raised on four cylindrical tapering legs on turned feet.
The present commodes are particularly sophisticated examples of northern Italian neoclassicism of the late eighteenth century, illustrating the shift from Rococo frivolity toward rectilinear, restrained forms. However, unlike the tendency toward more decorative embellishment, particularly though marquetry adornment as seen in the production of Lombardy and Piedmontese ébénistes such as Giuseppe Maggiolini and Ignazio Revelli, the present commodes are unusual for their restrained level of ornamentation.
A significant feature which promotes and permits the purity of the commode’s design is the uniquely Italian conceit of almost the entire façade of the commode being formed of a single hinged panel which can be lifted from vertical to horizontal and recedes into the front, under the top. Thus, when retracted, three internal drawers are revealed and, thereby, no sacrifice to form has been made over function.
Full research report available on request.