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Lot Essay
The use of finely figured mahogany, ambitious carving, distinctive construction techniques and idiosyncratic form, is certainly an ambitious undertaking by a cabinet-maker of notable skill. Less certain is the identity of this maker.
While the chest's origins remain unknown, the possibility of an accomplished provincial cabinet-maker such as Wright and Elwick in Wakefield, Yorkshire cannot be dismissed. Both partners subscribed separately to the first 1754 edition of the Director. In fact, few of Chippendale's contemporaries have imitated Director patterns so closely while incorporating their own particular idiosyncrasies. Wright and Elwick pieces share a number of other characteristics including the boldly carved edge, unusual handle-pattern, and idiosyncratic feet. Their prominent patrons were largely located in Yorkshire and northern counties.
A pair of commodes from Studley Royal in Yorkshire, also attributed to Wright and Elwick, share the same deeply carved profile of the angles and voluted scroll feet (now cut down) as the Martin commode. It is likely this pair was commissioned by Thomas Robinson, later 1st Baron Brantham (d. 1770) either for Newby (Baldersby) Park or Studley Royal.
Exhibiting distinct similarities in both carving and construction, a commode that warrants comparison was sold Christie's, New York, 14 April 2011, lot 400. Another similar example was sold in these Rooms, 17 October 2008, lot 100 ($194,500, including buyer's premium). Its exaggerated bombe form, elaborately carved angles and distinctive handles are shared features. The handles also appear on a further commode illustrated in the Wentworth sale (sold Christie's, London, 19 November 1992, lot 54).
While the chest's origins remain unknown, the possibility of an accomplished provincial cabinet-maker such as Wright and Elwick in Wakefield, Yorkshire cannot be dismissed. Both partners subscribed separately to the first 1754 edition of the Director. In fact, few of Chippendale's contemporaries have imitated Director patterns so closely while incorporating their own particular idiosyncrasies. Wright and Elwick pieces share a number of other characteristics including the boldly carved edge, unusual handle-pattern, and idiosyncratic feet. Their prominent patrons were largely located in Yorkshire and northern counties.
A pair of commodes from Studley Royal in Yorkshire, also attributed to Wright and Elwick, share the same deeply carved profile of the angles and voluted scroll feet (now cut down) as the Martin commode. It is likely this pair was commissioned by Thomas Robinson, later 1st Baron Brantham (d. 1770) either for Newby (Baldersby) Park or Studley Royal.
Exhibiting distinct similarities in both carving and construction, a commode that warrants comparison was sold Christie's, New York, 14 April 2011, lot 400. Another similar example was sold in these Rooms, 17 October 2008, lot 100 ($194,500, including buyer's premium). Its exaggerated bombe form, elaborately carved angles and distinctive handles are shared features. The handles also appear on a further commode illustrated in the Wentworth sale (sold Christie's, London, 19 November 1992, lot 54).