POSSIBLY BY WRIGHT AND ELWICK, LATE 18TH CENTURY

POSSIBLE MAKERS
The use of finely figured mahogany, bold carving, meticulous construction, and idiosyncratic form, is certainly an ambitious undertaking by a cabinet-maker of notable skill. Less certain is the identity of this maker. The commode relates to Chippendale designs published in the third edition of his Director, thereby showing a familiarity with London fashion.

WRIGHT AND ELWICK?
While the commode's origins remain unknown, the possibility of an accomplished cabinet-maker such as Wright and Elwick in Wakefield, Yorkshire cannot be dismissed. Richard Wright and Edward Elwick rose to prominence as the leading cabinet makers and upholsterers in Yorkshire during the latter half of the 18th century, establishing a dominance in their region akin to that of Gillows in Lancashire. Both partners subscribed separately to the first 1754 edition of the Director. In fact, few of Chippendale's contemporaries have imitated Director patterns so closely while incorporating their own particular idiosyncrasies. Wright and Elwick pieces share a number of other characteristics including the boldly carved edge, unusual handle-pattern, and idiosyncratic feet. Their prominent patrons were largely located in Yorkshire and northern counties.

In 1748-49, the partners were entrusted with an extensive commission for the Marquess of Rockingham at Wentworth. A commode from Wentworth (recorded in an 1782 inventory of the house), while more elaborately embellished, shares similar features such as richly carved front and back legs, exaggerated profile and fine timber (Wentworth, Christie's House sale; sold 8 July 1998, lot 65 £133,500, including premium). Interestingly, the Duchess of Northumberland remarked on the 'French chairs by the famous Mr. Wright' upon her visit to Wentworth.

A pair of commodes from Studley Royal in Yorkshire, also attributed to Wright and Elwick, share the same deeply carved profile of the angles and voluted scroll feet (now cut down) as the Martin commode. It is likely this pair was commissioned by Thomas Robinson, later 1st Baron Brantham (d. 1770) either for Newby (Baldersby) Park or Studley Royal.

A further commode that warrants comparison was sold in these Rooms, 17 October 2008, lot 100 ($194,500, including premium). Its exaggerated bombe form, elaborately carved angles and distinctive handles are shared features.

Perhaps the most celebrated commodes associated with the firm are those from the 'Raynham' group, three of which are in the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This group was likely all supplied to Captain the Hon. George Townshend, later 4th Viscount Townshend (d. 1807), created 1st Marquess in 1787, for Raynham Hall, Norfolk at the time of his marriage in 1751. One of the Philadelphia commodes has a similar break-fronted serpentine outline and elaborately carved leg; both show a close relationship to Chippendale's design for a 'Commode Table' (1762 edition, pl. LXVII). The Philadelphia commode was sold at auction by the Townshends at Sotheby's London, 24 June 1921 described as "ONE OF THE FINEST CHIPPENDALE COMMODES EVER OFFERED FOR SALE". It was thereafter owned by H. H. Mulliner and William Randolph Hearst, two great collectors of the 20th century, before being acquired by the museum in 1941. Another commode in the 'Raynham' group, likely the pair to one at Philadelphia, was sold by French and Company, Christie's, New York, 24 November, 1998, lot 60 ($1,487,5900).