Commode Sauteuse in rosewood veneer with Oeben marquetry, Louis XV period

Exceptional Louis XV chest of drawers called "commode sauteuse" in rosewood veneer, violet wood and stained wood, curved on three sides and topped by a Royal marble top. It opens in front of two drawers on two rows with hidden crossbars. This chest of drawers from the 18th century is beautifully inlaid with cubes without bottoms called "Oeben", cloisonné in double frames of fillets on a background of amaranth. The whole is underlined by a gilded and chiseled bronze decoration, in handles consisting of ribbon knots sheathed and connected by a garland of laurel, in keyhole of ribbon knots ending on each side by a garland of laurel cloth and in lower crosspiece, a lamp base enhanced by an inverted shell and stylized scrolls. The interior of the drawers and the bottom are in solid oak. This chest of drawers is topped by a Royal red marble top carved in "bec de corbin". The whole frame rests on four cambered feet, flanked by stylized ormolu scrolls ending on hooves.

Oeben cube marquetry

The King's cabinetmaker from 1761 to 1763, Jean-François Oeben's work was a milestone in the history of 18th-century marquetry. He worked and specialized in geometric motifs, such as the famous "bottomless cubes", which required extreme skill on the part of the craftsman. This repetitive motif is particularly impressive for its three-dimensional effect. Composed of three lozenges forming a perspective cube in a hexagonal shape, it is indeed difficult to master, as it would reveal the slightest misalignment in the event of a slight clumsiness. Oeben's cubes will undoubtedly leave their mark on Louis XV furniture, but the period models featured on this commode sauteuse are rare.

The jumper chest of drawers

The jumper chest of drawers is smaller than the classic chest of drawers because its frame has two rows of drawers and is raised on medium-high, often curved, legs. This elegant piece of furniture has a light, leggy look. The first commodes sauteuses appeared in the Regency style with the cabinetmaker Charles Cressent. Under Louis XV, they became widespread and indispensable.

Circa: 1760

Dim: L: 118cm, P: 60cm, H: 91cm.
Dim: W: 46,5in, D: 23,6in, H: 35,8in.

Condition report: Very good condition. Stamped varnish.