Lot 20: AN IMPORTANT GILT-BRONZE-MOUNTED TULIPWOOD, HAREWOOD, HOLLY, FRUITWOOD AND MARQUETRY COMMODE BY ROGER VANDERCRUSE, KNOWN AS LACROIX (1727-99) LOUIS XV/XVI TRANSITIONAL, CIRCA 1770 |

of gentle breakfront form with a later moulded Spanish brocatello marble top above three frieze drawers mounted with a band of guilloche enclosing flowerheads above two long drawers, the central panel with a wicker basket of flowers on a plinth flanked by panels of floral sprays, the sides similarly inlaid within gilt-bronze foliate cast panels with concave corners applied with a patera, the angles with berried laurel swag mounts, the apron with the mask of Mercury surmounted by drapery and serpents and books on a plinth on cabriole legs cast with acanthus terminating in paw feet, the underside of the top stamped twice R.V.L.C. JME

89cm. high, 128cm. wide, 57.5cm. deep; 2ft. 11in., 4ft. 2 ½in., 1ft. 10 ¾in.

In overall very good conserved condition.The colour overall is less orange with more contrast and the gilding is more golden and attractive than in the catalogue photograph.There are some very minor chips and one medium sized chip to the marble top especially along the rear edge and the marble top has been restored but this has been very well executed and is not noticeable due to the mottling of the marble. Top left frieze drawer handle is temporarily secured with wire at present and will need to have a new thread and screw and be resoldered but this can easily be restored.The side panels have been strengthened internally due to two vertical hairline cracks in both side panels together with another smaller one in the right side panel which show evidence of previous restoration with some red stain below the guilloche mount as visible on p. 67. There are some very miniscule restorations to the veneer which are hardly noticeable. The quality of the gilt- bronze mounts and detail to the marquetry is very good. This piece can be placed immediately. Highly recommended.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Galerie Kraemer, Paris, 1982.