Lot 333: A VERY FINE LOUIS XVI STYLE GILT-BRONZE MOUNTED MAHOGANY COMMODE À VANTAUX IN THE MANNER OF JEAN-HENRY RIESENER POSSIBLY ENGLISH, CIRCA 1866-70, THE MOUNTS ATTRIBUTED TO HATFIELD OF LONDON

A VERY FINE LOUIS XVI STYLE GILT-BRONZE MOUNTED MAHOGANY COMMODE À VANTAUX IN THE MANNER OF JEAN-HENRY RIESENER POSSIBLY ENGLISH, CIRCA 1866-70, THE MOUNTS ATTRIBUTED TO HATFIELD OF LONDON surmounted by a brèche d'Alep marble top, three frieze drawers, the vantaux opening to reveal two long drawers, the mounts have been removed to reveal the mark H to their reverse. height 36 1/2 in.; width 54 3/4 in.; depth 23 1/4 in. 92.5 cm; 139 cm; 59 cm

The exquisite gilt-bronze mounts have a H marking on the reverse, and so it is only speculation as to where, or by whom, they were cast. However the quality of the casting, chasing and burnishing is exemplary and the gilding in near-perfect condition. Thus reminding of another cabinet with exquisite mounts attributed to Hatfield (see the Hertford Jewel Cabinet, sold Sotheby's New York, A private Collection, Vol II, April 19, 2007, lot 105)

The present commode is reminiscent of commodes made in the manner of the celebrated 18th century cabinet maker Jean-Henri Riesener (1734-1806), reçu maître in 1768, and supplier of the Garde Meuble Royal from 1774 to 1785.

It is also interesting to relate the Apollo mask fronting the sunburst above the Lyre that can be found on either side of the commode to a bronze element fitted to a commode by Jean-François Leleu, which was sold Sotheby's Monaco, May 26, 1979, lot 33