As a contemporary of André-Charles Boulle producing similar marquetry pieces, Aubertin Gaudron (active circa 1670-1700) is intrinsically linked to him in the production of marquetry furniture. Both cabinet-makers inspired themselves from the rich Dutch floral designs by artists such as Jean-Baptiste Monnoyer and Nicolas Beaudesson, of which André-Charles Boulle owned many studies of flowers and birds. An interesting description of a marquetry commode delivered by Gaudron for the Château de Compiègne relates closely to the present one, described as: ‘de bois de plusieurs couleurs fond d’ébène ornée au milieu d’un vase rempli de fleurs pose sur un bout de table et un masque grotesque au-dessous le reste rempli de rinceaux fleurs oiseaux et papillons au naturel (AN 01/3308)’. The grotesque masks above the drawer handles can also be seen on a similar commode in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris (CLUNY 11762), as well as another commode possibly by Gaudron, sold at Bonhams, London, 9 July 2015, lot 26 (£52,500 including premium). The small ivory inlay found on the few jasmine flowers to the top surface can also be found on a commode from the Wildenstein Collection, sold at Christie's London, 14-15 December 2005, lot 115 (£84,000 including premium). For an illustrative comparison of a Late Louis XIV floral marquetry and ebony commode with the same shape, ormolu mounts and grotesque masks, see P. Kjellberg, Le Meuble Francais et Europeen du Moyen Age a nos jours, Paris 1991, p 92.
Related Articles
Sorry, we are unable to display this content. Please check your connection.
ATTRIBUTED TO AUBERTIN GAUDRON, EARLY 18TH CENTURYA LOUIS XIV ORMOLU-MOUNTED AMARANTH, FRUITWOOD, EBONY AND EBONISED FLORAL MARQUETRY COMMODEEstimate: GBP 25,000 - 40,000
You have agreed to be bound by the Conditions of Sale and if your bid is successful, you are legally obliged to pay for the lot you have won. The purchase price for a successful bid will be the sum of your final bid plus a buyer’s premium, any applicable taxes and any artist resale royalty, exclusive of shipping-related expenses.
Condition report
A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.
The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
This commode is in good overall condition. There are the inevitable marks, dents and scratches consistent with age and use. Overall with some minor hairline cracks with associated lifting to the varnish, particularly to the top; some small scattered restoration to veneers with infills. The top with some scratches and one small fleck of glue to the bottom right of the top. Some vertical cracks and consequent lifting to the sides, consistent with the construction. Some refreshing to the ebonised surface, especially to the drawer borders. Some small losses and lifting to the drawer dividers. The backboards original with evidence of inactive woodworm. Mounts worn overall, some balls to the handles probably replaced. Later blocks inside the carcase to strengthen structure. The inside of the bottom drawer lining with some shrinkage cracks.
Cost calculator
Lot 575Sale 19968
ATTRIBUTED TO AUBERTIN GAUDRON, EARLY 18TH CENTURYA LOUIS XIV ORMOLU-MOUNTED AMARANTH, FRUITWOOD, EBONY AND EBONISED FLORAL MARQUETRY COMMODEEstimate: GBP 25,000 - 40,000
Enter your bid amount for an estimated cost
Bid amount
Please enter numbers onlyAmount must be higher than the starting bidAmount must be higher than the current bid