A Louis XV period rosewood veneered commode with ebony marquetry.

An exceptional Louis XV commode, known as a "commode sauteuse," veneered in rosewood, kingwood, and stained wood, curved on three sides and topped with a Royal marble slab. The front features two drawers in two rows with concealed crossbars. This 18th-century commode is exquisitely inlaid with bottomless cubes, known as "Oeben cubes," set within double borders of stringing on an amaranth ground. The whole is enhanced by gilt and chased bronze mounts: handles composed of ribbon knots joined by a laurel wreath; keyhole escutcheons with ribbon knot motifs terminating on each side in a laurel wreath; and a lower rail adorned with a finial featuring an inverted shell and stylized scrolls. The drawer interiors and the back are made of solid oak. This commode is topped with a carved Royal red marble slab with a corbin beak edge. The entire frame rests on four cabriole legs, flanked at their base by stylized gilt bronze scrolls ending in sabots.

Oeben's cube marquetry

Cabinetmaker to the King from 1761 to 1763, Jean-François Oeben inscribed his work in the history of 18th-century marquetry. He worked and specialized in geometric motifs, such as the creation of his famous "bottomless cubes," which demanded exceptional skill from the craftsman. This repetitive motif is particularly impressive for its three-dimensional effect. Composed of three lozenges forming a cube in perspective within a hexagonal shape, it is indeed difficult to master, as the slightest misalignment would be visible in the event of a minor error. Oeben's cubes undoubtedly left their mark on Louis XV style furniture, but period examples found on this commode are rare.

The jumper dresser

The commode sauteuse is smaller than the classic commode because its frame has two rows of drawers and it is raised on medium-height, often cabriole legs. This elegant piece of furniture has a light appearance, as if it could jump on its feet. The first commode sauteuses appeared during the Regency period, notably with the cabinetmaker Charles Cressent. Under Louis XV, they became widespread and essential.

Circa: 1760

Condition report: Very good condition. Gilding repairs. French polished.