Commode
manner of André-Charles Boulle the Elder (1642 - 1732)
Category
Furniture
Date
circa 1700
Materials
Fruitwood, walnut, deal, purpleheart, gilt brass, ebonised beech
Measurements
87 cm (H); 119 cm (W); 67 cm (D)
Place of origin
Paris
Order this imageCollection
Powis Castle and Garden, Powys
NT 1180823
Summary
A marquetry inlaid ebonised fruitwood, purple heart and walnut brass mounted commode, in the manner of André Charles Boulle (Paris 1642-1732) circa 1700. The top with a gilt brass applied edge above two short and two long serpentine drawers and raised on bracket feet. The whole inlaid with floral scrolling designs and grotesque masks.The drawers have ormolu loop handles and mask-and-scroll lock plates.
Full description
The design of this marquetry commode is typical of French work from the late 17th / early 18th century. Various craftsmen such as Boulle, Pierre Gole (1620-1684) and Renaud Gaudron (d.1727) were masters of floral marquetry and drew their inspiration and design from Dutch floral paintings by artists such as Jan van Huysum (Amsterdam 1682-1749). (James Weedon, March 2019)
Provenance
Part of the indigenous collection of Powis Castle. Accepted by HM Treasury on 21st March, 1963 in lieu of tax and conveyed to National Trust ownership on 29th November 1963.
Makers and roles
manner of André-Charles Boulle the Elder (1642 - 1732), ébéniste
References
Ronfort 2009: Jean Nérée Ronfort (ed.), André Charles Boulle, 1642-1732 : Un nouveau style pour l’Europe (ex. cat.), Frankfurt 2009