Louis XV Commode, 18th Century

Louis XV bombé commode, stamped ANC – Montbéliard, 18th century. An important commode in the form of a tomb with a curved front and sides, made in Montbéliard in the second half of the 18th century, stamped ANC, a master cabinetmaker active in the Franco-German tradition characteristic of the region. It opens at the front with three drawers in three rows, with an exposed crossbar, emphasizing the continuous elegance of the curved line. The frame is made of oak, richly veneered with rosewood and fruitwoods, arranged in geometric marquetry with a frieze pattern forming framed reserves and chevron motifs, typical of high-quality Montbéliard production. The decoration is centered on symmetrical cartouches enlivened with warm-toned veneers, lending depth and movement to the whole. It rests on four cabriole legs, ending in finely chased gilt-bronze sabots, perfectly matching the scrolled side mounts. The rich ornamentation of The finely crafted mercury-gilt bronze mounts include: foliate drawer pulls, shaped keyhole escutcheons, rocaille side mounts, foliate sabots, and a prominent central bronze on the lower rail. The top is crowned with a molded marble slab with a corbin beak edge, in pinkish tones and light veining, perfectly fitted to the curved shape of the piece. The whole piece displays a remarkable harmony between the French Louis XV tradition and the Germanic influence characteristic of Montbéliard, giving this commode a strong regional personality. It measures 128 cm in length, 65 cm in depth, and 82 cm in height.