Pair of French antique Vernis Martin commodes by Durand

Pair of French antique Vernis Martin commodes by Durand
French, c. 1880
Height 95cm, width 131cm, depth 49.5cm
 
This exceptional pair of 19th century commodes, crafted around 1880 by master French cabinetmakers, is a superb example of opulent craftsmanship. Designed in homage to a celebrated model by Martin Carlin (German, 1730–1785), these pieces are inspired by a commode originally created for Madame Victoire, daughter of King Louis XV.
 
Topped with richly veined black marble, each commode is framed by an elegant bead-and-reel ormolu moulding. A decorative frieze beneath showcases scrolling foliate ormolu mounts, which extend across the front and sides, enhancing the refined aesthetic.
 
The commodes feature three lockable doors, opening to reveal a spacious interior fitted with a single shelf. The central panel, the largest of the three, is flanked by two rectangular sections adorned with ornate ormolu frames and delicate draped floral garlands, gracefully tied with ribbons at the corners.
 
A striking feature of these commodes is the use of the Vernis Martin technique – an 18th-century French japanning method developed by the Martin brothers. The central panels, rendered in vibrant green and golden-red hues, depict scenes inspired by renowned artworks: ‘Melpomene, Erato, and Polyhymnia’ by Eustache Le Sueur (1616–1655) and ‘Jacob and Laban’ by Charles-Antoine Coypel (1694–1752). Both are surrounded by an ormolu frame and one includes flower-shaped mounts on the edges.
 
Ornate Corinthian columns embellish the sides, while sculpted animal-form legs, topped with acanthus leaves, add to the grandeur. Each commode is supported by six turned wooden legs, elegantly finished with ormolu sabots.
 
The wood is stamped ‘DURAND PARIS’, signifying the craftsmanship of Gervais-Maximilien-Eugène Durand (b. 1839), a highly regarded cabinetmaker known for producing exquisite 18th-century revival furniture. His exceptional work was showcased at the Paris Exposition Universelle of 1889.
 
Grand in scale and rich in historical significance, this exquisite pair of commodes is a statement addition to both traditional and contemporary interiors, seamlessly blending artistry with timeless elegance.
 
Artist/Maker: Gervais-Maximilien-Eugène Durand