Louis XVI Commode Stamped By Ernest Mottheau, Circa 1880

Superb Louis XVI-style commode from the Napoléon III period, stamped by the Maison Ernest Mottheau.
It is crafted in marquetry of precious woods – amaranth, citronnier, pear, and rosewood – and adorned with finely chased and mercury-gilded bronzes.
It is crowned with an elegant Carrara white marble top.

This piece combines the warmth of noble wood species with the satin brilliance of gilded bronzes, in a subtle and refined harmony emblematic of Parisian taste under the Second Empire.
Its perfect balance, the fineness of its chiseling, and the quality of its materials make it a prestigious item, equally elegant in a classic interior or a contemporary setting.
Parisian work by the Maison Ernest Mottheau.
Circa 1880.

Dimensions:
Height: 90 cm
Width: 100 cm
Depth: 53 cm

Technical features :
The façade, with a central projection, is organized around three richly decorated drawers: one upper drawer and two large lower drawers.
The two large lower drawers are equipped with an ingenious locking system: a concealed mechanism allows them to be locked simultaneously with the key of the upper drawer, a true 19th-century cabinetmaking feat.
The marquetry, executed with great care, presents motifs of floral bouquets and scrolling foliage, crafted from several precious wood species, offering a warm and luminous play of tones.
The mercury-gilded bronzes, finely chased, frame the drawers and adorn the mounts and feet, adding a touch of elegance and distinction to the whole.

The Carrara white marble top, with delicate and harmonious veining, crowns the commode with grace and balance, perfectly complementing the richness of the decoration and the softness of the wood tones.

This commode exemplifies the refinement and mastery of Parisian cabinetmaking during the Second Empire, a rare piece combining elegance, ingenuity, and harmonious materials.
It bears the stamp of the famous bronzier-goldsmith Ernest Mottheau, active in Paris during the second half of the 19th century.

Biography – Maison Ernest Mottheau, Paris
Founded in the 19th century in Paris, the Maison E. Mottheau specialized in the production of art bronzes and decorative mounts for furniture. Renowned for the finesse of its chased and gilded bronzes, it collaborated with numerous Parisian cabinetmakers to adorn prestigious furniture with high-quality bronze mounts and accessories.
The maison participated in the major Paris Universal Exhibitions at the end of the 19th century and received several awards for the excellence of its work, notably for chandeliers, wall lights, and furniture ornaments. Pieces stamped “E. Mottheau Paris” testify to the refined craftsmanship of the maison in the creation of furniture bronzes and are today highly prized by collectors and decorative arts enthusiasts.
Mottheau bronzes are distinguished by their exceptional chiseling, elegant gilding, and a style often inspired by the Louis XV and Louis XVI periods, harmonizing perfectly with furniture in precious veneers and fine marbles. On stamped pieces, they indicate that the metal mounts or decorative elements were created by this renowned workshop.