Small French Louis XV commode

This small commode stands upon four lightly arched cabriole legs, the front two of which feature gilt bronze sabots. The front face, containing the drawers, has a slight curve; this undulating silhouette is repeated in the sides of the commode. The commode has three lockable drawers, each with two pulls and a keyplate. The overhanging grey marble top follows the outline of the commode and emphasises its typical Rococo appearance. Centrally below the drawers, the apron features a typical French gilt bronze rocaille ornament. The contours of the corners are also accentuated by gilt bronze rocailles.
The commode is stamped L ? Rochette. Laurent Rochette (1723-1772) was appointed “cabinetmaker privileged according to the court of justice” in 1745, which awarded him almost the same privileges as the title of Maître ébeniste. He established his workshop on Rue de Charonne and also managed a furniture store on Rue Saint-Antoine, records of which can be found up to 1772. His classic wood-veneered Louis XV furniture pieces demonstrate meticulous, highly valued craftsmanship, and his creations are on display at a variety of notable establishments, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum des Arts Décoratives in Paris and Osterreichisches Museum in Vienna.