18th Century French Mazarin Commode

This model of commode takes its name from Louis XIV's Prime Minister Cardinal Jules Mazarin, and features of commodes of this type include the shaped, outspreading stiles which can be seen on our piece and the block front type effect, created in this case by the use of double thickness drawer fronts, leaving the central escutcheon panels slightly recessed. It is veneered primarily in walnut, with contrasting panels of ash on the drawer fronts, sides and top. These ash panels are book-matched to create a geometric effect, especially obvious on the top and sides where they are combined with inlaid geometric stringing of diamond form and canted corner rectangles. On the drawer fronts, the effect is slightly different, the shaped stringing and crossbanding largely used to create a background on which to display the ormolu hardware which is of grand size and exceptional quality. The handles are beautifully cast and chased and feature floral motifs and the escutcheon plates are of equal quality. There is further ormolu employed to create the sabots or foot mounts. A very attractive and interesting commode.