Neoclassical inlaid commode with marble top, Northern Italy, late 18th century Dimensions: cm W 135.5 x D 61 x H 88.5 Price: private negotiation Item accompanied by our certificate of authenticity Elegant neoclassical commode from Northern Italy, dating to the late 18th century, veneered in bois de rose and richly inlaid with boxwood and other precious woods, with an antique Portoro marble top. The piece features a rigorous architectural structure, with a front of three drawers, uprights outlined by thin ornamental reserves, and truncated pyramid legs, also inlaid. The linearity of the structure contrasts with the richness of the decoration, distributed harmoniously on the front and sides. The grain of the bois de rose, arranged in opposing panels, forms geometric designs that enhance the warm hues of the wood and the contrast with the lighter inlays. The frieze below the top features a reserve veneered with end-grain wood. This is followed by an inlay frieze of acanthus leaves. The top drawer is adorned with a wide band of acanthus volutes, arranged in a symmetrical sequence and enclosed within a thin border of palmettes. A continuous frieze of small leafy motifs separates it from the two lower drawers, conceived as a single decorative surface. Here, an articulated frame with oblique corners accommodates grotesque figures of fantastical animals, similar to griffins, whose bodies extend into vegetal tails and arabesques. Rhomboidal motifs mark the frieze, while in the corner compartments appear emblems related to Mercury's caduceus, with two serpents entwined around a staff. At the center of the composition, an octagonal medallion, straddling the two lower drawers, encloses two doves associated with a quiver and oak branches with acorns. The reserve is defined by concentric frames, enriched by a thin band of green wood. A border of palmettes and phytomorphic elements frames the lower edge of the piece. The continuity of the design across the drawers lends unity to the facade and highlights the meticulousness of the ornamental design. The same care characterizes the sides, where the decorative scheme echoes that of the front. The projecting uprights are adorned with elegant vertical vegetal motifs. Inlaid rosettes within a rectangular element mark the lower joints, from which the four truncated pyramid legs, tapered and inlaid with leafy motifs, extend. Small corner ornaments, decorated with meander motifs, connect the structure to the legs. The drawer interiors are in walnut. The antique Portoro marble top shows an old repair. The piece requires a conservative and integrated restoration, which will be carried out shortly.
Period: Second half of the 18th century