Lot Essay
Nicolas Petit, maître in 1761.
With its distinctive naif flower-vase marquetry, derived from engraved sources such as those published by Maurice Jacques circa 1765 (S. Eriksen, Early Neo-Classicism in France, London, 1974, plates 392-5), simulated flutes to the canted angles and stylised feet, this commode shares much in common with Petit's documented oeuvre. In particular, the distinctive angle-mounts cast with the masks of Hercules and Hydra are also displayed on the secrétaire and breakfront commode sold by the Earl of Normanton in these Rooms, 4 December 1975, lots 87 and 74 respectively, as well as on the secretaire stamped by Petit and sold anonymously in Monaco, Ader Picard Tajan, 17 March 1988, lot 90.
With its distinctive naif flower-vase marquetry, derived from engraved sources such as those published by Maurice Jacques circa 1765 (S. Eriksen, Early Neo-Classicism in France, London, 1974, plates 392-5), simulated flutes to the canted angles and stylised feet, this commode shares much in common with Petit's documented oeuvre. In particular, the distinctive angle-mounts cast with the masks of Hercules and Hydra are also displayed on the secrétaire and breakfront commode sold by the Earl of Normanton in these Rooms, 4 December 1975, lots 87 and 74 respectively, as well as on the secretaire stamped by Petit and sold anonymously in Monaco, Ader Picard Tajan, 17 March 1988, lot 90.