AFTER THE MODEL BY JOSEPH STÖCKEL AND GUILLAUME BENEMAN, CIRCA 1880

The design for the present commode is taken from a model originally conceived by Joseph Stöckel (maître 1775; d. 1802), but considerably modified by Guillaume Benneman (maître 1785; d. 1811) and supplied in 1786 for Louis XVI's bedchamber at Compiègne. It is now in the collection of the Louvre. Stöckel's original model formed part of a series of four impressive commodes intended for the Comte de Provence (later Louis XVIII), but instead purchased in 1786 - probably in an incomplete state - by the Garde-Meuble from the marchand mercier Philippe-Ambroise Sauvage for 1500 livres each. Under the direction of the sculpteur sur bois, Jean Hauré, Benneman transformed all four commodes, shortening the present model in order for it to fit its intended place at Compiègne, and replacing the door to the front with three drawers. At the same time the bronzes were gilded by Pierre-François Feuchère. Following the Revolution, the commode was sent to the Palais directorial du Luxembourg, then later to the Palais des Tuileries where it remained until 1870. The model was frequently copied in the late 19th century, particularly by Henry Dasson, an example by whom was sold Christie's New York, 22 October 1991, lot 341 ($32,000).