Antique French Louis XVI style ormolu-mounted commode after Benneman

Antique French Louis XVI style ormolu-mounted commode after Benneman
French, Early 20th Century
Height 93cm, width 179cm, depth 69cm
 
This outstanding commode à vanteaux is after a design by Joseph Stockel (1743-1802) and Guillaume Benneman (1750- after 1811) crafted for Marie Antoinette’s Le Salon des Jeux at Fontainebleau.
 
A large cream-grey marble top surmounts the mahogany antique. Below is a wide frieze filled with three lockable drawers, all framed by elegant ormolu edging as well as more decorative mounts. The central drawer includes a lavish lion-shaped escutcheon.
 
The largest panel decorating the front of the commode has a prominent ormolu medallion showcasing the childhood of Bacchus, the Roman god of wine. This, as well as the two medallions on the sides, are signed ‘Jean Rabiant’. Framing the central illustration is a plethora of nature-inspired ormolu mounts, some in the shapes of ribbon-tied garlands or scrolling acanthus leaves. The two larger panels open to reveal six spacious drawers, each one with round ormolu handles.
 
The fluted uprights include additional ormolu mounts, their design matching that of the rest of the commode. Supporting the antique are four tapering legs terminating with decorative ormolu sabots.
 
In places, the wood is stamped with spurious ‘F. LINKE’ marks.
 
Inspired by a very important design, this commode is guaranteed to add a touch of luxury and refinement to the appropriate interior space. 
 
Literature: V. Droguet, V. Carpentier, V. Cochet, Fontainebleau, The True Residence of Kings, Paris, 2015, pp. 245-246.