Georges Jansen: Rich "jumping" Commode - Circa 1760

Georges Jansen (1721-?) Rare commode, known as a "sauteuse" commode, dating from the Transition period around 1760. Rectangular in shape with a central projection, it features marquetry of cubes veneered in rosewood, palisander, and amaranth, set within inset bands of stained wood. This exceptional piece opens with two drawers without a central rail and rests on cabriole legs extending from the canted uprights. Rich ornamentation of original gilt bronze mounts runs along the entire base. The original top is made of Belgian red Griotte marble, having undergone a period restoration (almost invisible). Stamped on the rear upright "G. JANSEN," the maker was admitted as a master craftsman on April 8, 1767, and was a member of the Guild. Georges Jansen, of Swedish or Danish origin, worked until around 1785 on the rue du Faubourg Saint Antoine. His best-known work is a small table in the Victoria & Albert Museum, its top adorned with delicate wood and ivory inlays depicting figures in a garden with porticoes. Jansen left few works, and his signature is rarely found; however, nearly perfect pieces by his hand have often been attributed to Bircklé or Topino. He produced furniture veneered or inlaid with floral, foliate, urn, and trophy motifs in the Louis XV, Transitional, and Louis XVI styles. Jansen should be considered one of the most skilled marquetry craftsmen, like Topino, Pioniez, and a few others.