Important 18th Century Louis XV Marquetry Commode or Sauteuse, Stamped “P.ROUSSEL”
A Louis XV gilt bronze mounted marquetry commode with a shaped and eared Belgian red marble top above two short drawers and a long drawer, stamped on the top of the left front stile carrying the name of Pierre Roussel (1723-1783): P.ROUSSEL (received Master August 21, 1745). With keeled bronze-banded angles, on splayed legs triangular in section with gilt bronze sabots. Veneered on a carcase of oak, decorated with contrasting papillon ( butterfly wing ) marquetry within shaped banding and set with expressive gilt bronze Louis XV mounts finely cast and chased featuring rocaille motifs, foliage and flowers.
Pierre Roussel (1723 – 1782, maitre 1745) established himself in a workshop under the sign of the image of Saint-Pierre in the Rue de Charinton in Paris. After modest beginnings he had become one of the leading cabinet makers by 1767. Roussel was elected a ‘jure’ in 1762 and was holding a number of important offices within his guild. Among his grand later patrons was the Prince de Condé, who made considerable purchases for the Palais Bourbon and the Château de Chantilly between 1775 and 1780. The “Almanac of general indication or Vray Mérite” of 1769 quotes him as one of the most important cabinetmakers of Paris.
See:
Pierre Kjellberg: Le Mobilier Francais du XVIIIe Siecle, Paris 2008, p.766-775.
Condition: very good, min. wear consistent with age and use, min. fading, French polish refreshed, small losses at the back of the marble plate – detailed condition report on request
