A LOUIS XVI-STYLE GILT BRONZE, MAHOGANY INLAID COMMODE AFTER THE MODEL BY JEAN-HENRI RIESENER 
France, circa 1900
33 x 52-1/2 x 24 inches (83.8 x 133.4 x 61.0 cm)

The commode with shaped marble top above an egg and dart frieze, over four draped classical figures in niches emblematic of Mars, Hercules, Temperance and Prudence, the center having a marquetry still life with ewer issuing flowers framed in a gilt bronze stylized leaf border and centered by a mask of Apollo within sunburst and above a ribbon-tied laurel swag, the center panel flanked by two conforming panels with parquetry decoration of stylized floral medallions within a gilt bronze border, with floral swag to top and a seated putto below emblematic of Justice and Temperance, to each side a bronze ribbon-tied mount of armor and weaponry on a parquetry ground, the whole raised on tapering block feet with gilt bronze acanthus leaf mounts.

The design of the present commode is based on a model originally executed by Jean-Henri Riesener (maître 1768) in 1775, and is now in the collection of the Musée Condé.