Dauphiné Commode with Heart Marquetry from the Louis XIV Period, circa 1700

A magnificent and rare commode dating from 1700-1710, this piece is an exceptional example of marquetry in plum, walnut, olive, rosewood, and plum and walnut grain wood. The top features a composition of geometric reserves, circles, and hearts, connected by inlays that highlight the borders. The border of the top is made of plum grain wood, while the sides offer a classic bipartite composition with a diamond.

The slightly curved facade opens onto three drawers, whose somewhat severe inlay design is softened by the superb display of walnut, plum, and rosewood veneers. The verticality of the rounded stiles is accentuated by the grain wood veneer and dark inlays, characteristics found in the works of the Hache family. The handles and keyhole escutcheons in gilded chiseled bronze, typical of the Hache creations at the beginning of the 18th century, are present on many models of their commodes.

This Dauphiné commode from the Louis XIV period can be compared to the one presented in Le Génie des Hache by Pierre and Françoise Rouge, published by Éditions Faton.

Dimensions:
Height: 31.89 inches
Length: 40.94 inches
Depth: 24.02 inches

In fine condition.

Thomas HACHE (1664 – 1747)

Born on November 28, 1664, and deceased on May 13, 1747, Thomas Hache was the son of Noël Hache, born in Calais around 1630. The latter, a journeyman cabinetmaker, completed his tour de France when he married in Toulouse, where he settled and died in 1675.

Thomas, born in Toulouse, began his journey across France and stopped in Grenoble, where he worked for the cabinetmaker Michel Chevallier. In 1699, he married Chevallier's daughter. Upon his father-in-law's death in 1720, he took over his workshop on Place Claveyson. A year later, he obtained the patent of Keeper and Cabinetmaker for the house of Louis d'Orléans, Duke of Chartres, governor of Dauphiné. With the help of his only son, Pierre, who succeeded him, he was very active, although due to the lack of a stamp, none of his works can be identified.

Bibliography:

Le Mobilier Français du XVIIIe Siècle*, Pierre Kjellberg, Les Éditions de l’Amateur, 2002.
Le Génie des Hache, Pierre Rouge and Françoise Rouge, Éditions Faton.