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Lot Essay
This exceptional pair of commodes, with their beautifully compact form and well-chosen, lustrous mahogany, illustrate the mid-Georgian transitional phase between the early Georgian chest-on-stand and the later Georgian commode. Thus, whilst thoroughly in the rococo idiom, the upper parts of such pieces usually stand on separate and detached bases as do this pair, an echo back to chest-on-stands, whereas in the latter part of the century commodes were conceived and constructed as a unity. The rich rococo carving of the present lot is foreshadowed by the elaborate designs for similar pieces in the first edition (1754) of Thomas Chippendale's pattern-book The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director, most notably those seen in plates XLIII-XLIV, described as 'French commode tables'.
LEGENDARY PROVENANCE
These commodes are extraordinary in that they formed part of three of the past century’s most important collections of English furniture; those of Eric Moller, Samuel Messer, and Ann and Gordon Getty.
Eric Moller (d.1988) shipping magnate, celebrated racehorse owner and polo player along with his brother, Ralph, formed superb collections of English furniture under the almost mythical guidance of the great furniture historian R. W. Symonds (d. 1958). Both of the Moller brothers' collections formed the basis of Symonds' 1955 Furniture Making in 17th and 18th Century England, where these commodes are illustrated (pp. 108-109, figs. 162-163). The book became a benchmark reference for future connoisseurs as well as an invaluable document in the history of collecting. Symonds also advised Samuel Messer (d.1991), by whom this pair of commodes was next acquired.
Samuel Messer (d.1991) assembled one of the most outstanding and distinguished collections of English furniture, clocks, and barometers of the 20th century. He was a part of the very small, elite group of connoisseurs of Georgian furniture - including Percival Griffiths, J. S. Sykes, Fred Skull, and James Thursby-Pelham - who formed the nucleus of their collections under the guidance of R. W. Symonds. Messer’s collection epitomized the Chippendale period of furniture-making and placed particular emphasis on untouched condition, original patination and fine quality of timber, combined with good proportions, an elegant line and a balanced use of crisply carved ornament; the touchstones of Symonds's influence and very much embodied by this pair of commodes.
In 1991 the commodes were a highlight of Christie's celebrated landmark sale of the Samuel Messer Collection, brought together at his Regency-style home at Pelsham in Sussex. In one way the sale marked the end of the great English furniture collections formed in the early years of 20th century Britain, while on the other hand it raised the appreciation for fine English furniture to new heights inspiring a new generation of collectors; including Ann and Gordon Getty, the latest stewards of these marvelous commodes.
LEGENDARY PROVENANCE
These commodes are extraordinary in that they formed part of three of the past century’s most important collections of English furniture; those of Eric Moller, Samuel Messer, and Ann and Gordon Getty.
Eric Moller (d.1988) shipping magnate, celebrated racehorse owner and polo player along with his brother, Ralph, formed superb collections of English furniture under the almost mythical guidance of the great furniture historian R. W. Symonds (d. 1958). Both of the Moller brothers' collections formed the basis of Symonds' 1955 Furniture Making in 17th and 18th Century England, where these commodes are illustrated (pp. 108-109, figs. 162-163). The book became a benchmark reference for future connoisseurs as well as an invaluable document in the history of collecting. Symonds also advised Samuel Messer (d.1991), by whom this pair of commodes was next acquired.
Samuel Messer (d.1991) assembled one of the most outstanding and distinguished collections of English furniture, clocks, and barometers of the 20th century. He was a part of the very small, elite group of connoisseurs of Georgian furniture - including Percival Griffiths, J. S. Sykes, Fred Skull, and James Thursby-Pelham - who formed the nucleus of their collections under the guidance of R. W. Symonds. Messer’s collection epitomized the Chippendale period of furniture-making and placed particular emphasis on untouched condition, original patination and fine quality of timber, combined with good proportions, an elegant line and a balanced use of crisply carved ornament; the touchstones of Symonds's influence and very much embodied by this pair of commodes.
In 1991 the commodes were a highlight of Christie's celebrated landmark sale of the Samuel Messer Collection, brought together at his Regency-style home at Pelsham in Sussex. In one way the sale marked the end of the great English furniture collections formed in the early years of 20th century Britain, while on the other hand it raised the appreciation for fine English furniture to new heights inspiring a new generation of collectors; including Ann and Gordon Getty, the latest stewards of these marvelous commodes.