BY CHARLES BERNEL, PARIS, THE MODEL DESIGNED BY BERNARD III VAN RISENBURGH, EARLY 20TH CENTURY

The design for this commode is after Bernard II van Risenburgh (after 1696-c. 1766), the renowned Parisian ébéniste and cabinetmaker. This commode, with its iconic goût grec style mounts and neo-classical form, is reflective of high styles popular in France in the third quarter of the 18^th century. The commode is inlaid with lacquer panels imitating fine Japanese lacquer, which, during the 18^th century would have been expensive and quite rare, and only available through the supply of marchands-merciers who commissioned such pieces. A similar commode by BVRB with the tripartite curved front, thick ormolu-frames surrounding the lacquer panels, and scrolled feet is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (accession number: 58.75.122). Two additional very important commodes of this model were sold in Masterpieces of the Rothschild Collection; Christie’s, London, 4 July 2019, lots 10 and 12.

French ébéniste Charles Bernal was highly skilled in the producing works reviving earlier styles of cabinetmaking. Bernal and his contemporaries Paul Somani, Henry Dasson and Francois Linke, were all known for the high caliber of their creations in the Louis XV and XVI manner. Among Bernel’s revered clientele was H.M. Queen Mary, who owned a gilt bronze mounted fire screen that was placed in her Audience room at Buckingham Palace, London. King Christian X and Queen Alexandrine of Denmark also had one presented to them during a visit to Paris. A similar commode by BVRB with the tripartite curved front, thick ormolu-frames surrounding the lacquer panels, and scrolled feet is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (accession number: 58.75.122). Two additional very important commodes of this model were sold in Masterpieces of the Rothschild Collection; Christie’s, London, 4 July 2019, lots 10 and 12.