Located in King's Lynn, GB
An important North Italian Tuscan Baroque commode, manufactured in Florence circa 1690–1720 and attributed to the Grand Ducal Workshops of the Medici court. Representing the highest level of Florentine cabinetmaking of the period, it is inlaid throughout with exceptionally fine ivory and pewter in the Venetian manner, fitted with finely cast ormolu handles based on designs by Giovanni Battista Foggini, and retains an original partially faded circular “LC” stamp to the underside.
Made for the wealthiest aristocratic and noble patrons by leading cabinetmakers and specialist craftsmen, the commode survives as an exceptional example of Florentine Baroque furniture. On the basis of its quality, rarity, construction, decoration and the comparative evidence identified during our research, we consider it among the most significant North Italian commodes of this period to appear on the market in recent years.
Of breakfront form with projecting canted corners, the rounded overhanging top is constructed in walnut with exceptional areas of richly figured burr walnut, framed by rosewood crossbanding, and centred with floral marquetry enclosed by inlaid borders. The same rosewood crossbanding continues around the sides, with further floral inlaid centrepieces set against walnut and burr walnut veneers.
Each drawer is individually decorated with floral ivory and pewter inlay and fitted with Foggini-designed ormolu handles and ormolu key escutcheons. The canted corners are inlaid from top to bottom with finely engraved dogs, hounds, birds and scrolling foliage, culminating in a lion within the frieze above each corner.
Rarity, Research & Attribution
We have undertaken extensive research into this commode, consulting leading Italian furniture specialists, international dealers, authors and historians, and comparing it with documented examples in museums, former Medici residences, private collections and the international art market.
One of its most unusual features is the ivory and pewter marquetry. Professor Enrico Colle documents related Florentine commodes in his published studies of Medici furniture...
Category
1690s Italian Baroque Antique Bone Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets