An important Louis XV gilt bronze-mounted rosewood marquetry commode, so-called sauteuse, stamped on the top of the right front stile carrying the name of J. Bircklé (1734-1803).
The commode displays a bombe front, with two small top drawers and one large bottom drawer, raised on four tall curved legs triangular in section terminating in gilt-bronze sabots. The sides are of slightly curved outline. Front and sides with elaborate mirrored rosewood veneer on a carcase of oak, set with extensive gilt-bronze mounts featuring motifs of acanthus scrolls and flowers. The foliate handles and key surround are finely cast and chased as are the gilt-bronze mounts of the forecorners featuring scrolls, rocailles and floral pendants. The downward curving apron at the front centred by a gilt-bronze acanthus mount. The slab of shaped Brêche d’Alep marble on the top.
Jaques Bircklé, born 1734, received his cabinet makers’ master title 1764 andet up shop at first at the rue de Charenton and later at the rue Saint Nicolas and became one of the most famous maitres ebenistes of his time. Later in his career he was commissioned by Marie-Antoinette to work for her Chateau Saint Cloud and also worked for the Duc d’Orleans, for the Princesse de Lamballe and other noble clintele. Bircklé worked in a variety of Styles from Louis XV to Louis XVI, his pieces of furniture were known and appreciated for their high quaity of marquetry rather than a n abundance of gilt bronze decoration. Works of Jacques Bircklé nowadays are displayed e.g. at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs and the Musee Cognacq-Jay in Paris and the Musée Lambinet at Versailles.
Literature: Kjellberg, Pierre: Le mobilier francais du XVIII siècle, Paris 2008, p. 74-78
Condition: very good, min. wear consistent with age and use, surface refreshed – detailed condition report on request
