Lot Essay
These elliptical commodes have tops centered by sunflowered demi-medallions recalling Apollos' temple in Palmyra, while the flowered facades are festooned with poetic be-ribboned and tassled laurels. Similar festoons, accompanied by the top's pearled edge, feature on three commodes attributed to the Dublin cabinet-maker William Moore (d.1815) (see F.L.Hinckley, Hepplewhite, Sheraton and Regency Furniture, 1987, figs.339-341). A pair of similar inlaid commodes were sold by Christie's London, 18 November 1993, lot 186.
The slightly idiosyncratic interpretation of the tassle motifs, the unusual scrolled apron and the uncharacteristic construction of the commodes' undersides in combination with distinctly English drawer construction suggest that an itinerant cabinet-maker from the continent may have been responsible for these commodes. These commodes recall another example, possibly of Continental origin or inspiration, which was sold in these Rooms, 12-13 October 1985, lot 187.
The slightly idiosyncratic interpretation of the tassle motifs, the unusual scrolled apron and the uncharacteristic construction of the commodes' undersides in combination with distinctly English drawer construction suggest that an itinerant cabinet-maker from the continent may have been responsible for these commodes. These commodes recall another example, possibly of Continental origin or inspiration, which was sold in these Rooms, 12-13 October 1985, lot 187.