Bordeaux solid mahogany commode — Bordeaux, 18th century

Exceptional chest of drawers in solid Saint-Domingue mahogany,
serpentine both in plan and elevation, opening with four drawers arranged in three rows.
Bordeaux work, Louis XV period.

This high-quality commode belongs to the so-called “Parisian” period of Bordeaux furniture. During the 18th century, as this great trading port enjoyed exceptional prosperity, the city’s finest cabinetmakers—sometimes assisted by sculptors from Provence—sought to rival Parisian models by adorning their superb West Indian or Honduran mahoganies with sumptuous carvings, often echoing Parisian gilt-bronze mounts.

This opulent commode, crafted from magnificent figured mahogany (used for the top and the two upper drawers) and richly grained mahogany for the remainder of the façade, is closely comparable to the masterpiece preserved at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs of Bordeaux, both sharing remarkably similar and lavish bronze mounts. Each represents a rare ceremonial model intended for the wealthiest shipowners.

As seen on the finest Bordeaux examples, the commode features an exceptional top made from a single mahogany plank, not dowelled but joined by cleats on the reverse with the lateral rails, and moulded around the edge with a bec-de-corbin profile. The top is executed in figured mahogany, a variety considered—alongside moiré mahogany—among the most remarkable.

The rest of the piece is made from finely grained, beautifully figured mahogany. One may admire the richness of the rocaille-carved rails, particularly the pierced apron, as well as the quality of carving on both the front and rear feet. The sides display the traditional Bordeaux transverse rails positioned at the narrowing between the first and second drawer tiers, here wide and enhanced with a polylobed moulding.

The commode retains its original and exceptionally rich gilt-bronze mounts: elegant drawer pulls with openwork rosette backplates and large rocaille escutcheons. It also preserves its four original iron locks and two keys operating all of them.

The overall construction is of the highest quality: the inner edges of the uprights and rails are moulded with a heel profile, and the drawer fronts are recessed with raised panels. The drawer cases are in elm (washed with yellow ochre), the back structure also in elm with beech panels, and the intermediate dust boards in pine.

Exceptional state of preservation, with no grafts or replacements throughout the piece and no damage such as scratches, tears, or losses. Perfectly restored (complete revision of runners, boards, and joinery), then very delicately finished in French polish (particularly suited to the quality of the wood; it may, upon request and without difficulty, be converted to a waxed or filled-wax finish).

Bordeaux, mid-18th century.

Nota bene: The varnish unfortunately causes reflections and a slight haze due to studio lighting; the photographs therefore do not fully convey the beauty of the wood.