Offered by GSLR Antiques
Fine commode in mahogany veneer on oak, with uprights adorned with zoomorphic supports featuring ram's heads and terminating in goat's hooves. The finely chased and mercury-gilt bronze mounts comprise laurel wreaths suspended from ribbon bows, an allegory of Fidelity at the center of the drawer, escutcheons decorated with sheaves, and Antique-style lion-mask drawer handles. The front feet are bell-shaped.
It is fitted with four drawers, including a smaller one in the frieze.
Black Petit Granit marble top.
Parisian work from the Consulate–Empire period, circa 1800–1805, very probably by Jacob Frères, unstamped.
The Jacob brothers were the sons of Georges Jacob, one of the greatest chairmakers of the 18th century. After training them, he handed over his workshop to them in 1796. Georges the Younger and François-Honoré established the firm Jacob Frères on Rue Meslée, producing furniture and seating in the Directoire and Consulate styles. Following their success, Georges came out of retirement to help his son supply furniture for the Imperial residences of Napoleon I. The Jacob dynasty continued its activities during the Empire and Restoration periods as a supplier of Imperial and Royal furniture.
Our commode is a fine collector's piece, with a rare decorative finish inspired by the designs of Percier and Fontaine. A luxury production, it was probably the subject of a special commission for the family of a dignitary, a senior officer of the Empire, or a prestigious palace during the Consulate or early Empire period.
The quality of the carving of the ram's heads is admirable: finely modeled heads, curly fleece, and carefully detailed hooves, horns, and pointed ears.
Excellent condition, with newly applied traditional French polish. Beautiful, well-preserved mercury gilding. One ear is missing from the lion-mask handle at the lower left. Old restoration to the rear feet.
Length: 130.7 cm Height: 95.5 cm Depth: 61 cm
