Louis XIV port commode in solid mahogany

Solid Saint-Domingue mahogany commode with a serpentine front, opening with three drawers arranged in three rows.
Boulogne work, mid-18th century.
Classicism and quality are the two key words that best describe this rare example of a port commode, which follows the stylistic principles of the end of the Grand Siècle through its elegant, strongly architectural sobriety, combined with a quality of construction comparable to Parisian production. We have published a documentation section on Northern French port furniture on our website.
Of fine, low and broad proportions, the piece is topped with a two-board molded top, the perimeter finished with a bec-de-corbin molding (here a cavetto bordered by a fillet). As a sign of quality, the top is not pegged directly from above, as was customary, but joined by mortise-and-tenon joints to the upper side rails. This method of offset pegging avoids marking the top with pegs sometimes considered unsightly, particularly on fine mahogany surfaces.
A projecting half-round molding, known as a “boudin” or half-round molding, borders both faces of the four rails as well as the inner edges of the uprights, creating a recessed surround framing the drawers and reinforcing the relief of the façade.
The uprights, with broad convex canted corners, are also molded with a double projecting cyma molding, while the lower rail is enhanced with a shaped apron. The corners of the front and rear legs are reinforced by elegantly cut brackets, further enriching the architectural character of the piece.
The only evolution from the Louis XIV style is the vigorous Régence-style serpentine curve animating the front of the commode, while the sides retain a fine Neoclassical arrangement, with relief provided by a broad and substantial raised border.
The quality of the finely grained Saint-Domingue mahogany deserves particular mention. It is richly figured on the front, flame-grained on the broad first board of the top, and mottled on the side panels and rear board of the top.
Its deep reddish-brown color and rich patina are enlivened by cast brass mounts in the “English” manner: handles with backplates and cut-out escutcheons, entirely characteristic of Northern French cabinetmaking.
Moreover — an exceptionally rare feature — this commode is made entirely of solid mahogany, including both its structural framework and secondary elements. The rear uprights and bottom are also in Saint-Domingue mahogany, while the back and drawer cases are made of Honduras mahogany... This is therefore a commode entirely resistant to wood-boring insects.
The quality of the joinery is consistent with the finest furniture produced in Northern France: hollowed inner faces of the drawer fronts, carefully dovetailed drawer cases, and a back constructed with chamfer-molded rails and panels.
The piece is in an exceptional original state of preservation, with virtually no damage and no replacements.
We should nevertheless mention a small burn mark on the first board, which has been lightened and now blends with the darker veins and mottling of the wood. The locks have been removed (a false plate has been fitted in imitation on the upper section), and the escutcheons have been moved upward by approximately one and a half centimeters, without leaving any visible traces of these alterations.
The drawer interiors have been very carefully lined with a fine trimmed fabric. As this remains in exceptionally clean, almost new condition, we have chosen to preserve it.
Very delicate traditional wax-filled finish, superb patina.
(The commode has a remarkable sheen, and some reflections may therefore be visible in certain photographs.)
Boulogne-sur-Mer – mid-18th century.
Provenance: an important property on the shores of Lake Geneva.
Dimensions: 84 cm high × 130 cm wide × 65 cm deep.