Active from the Ancien Régime until circa 1818, Bernard Molitor was one of the last ébénistes to work for the monarchy in France. His furniture was characterized by the use of mahogany veneers embellished with finely cast gilt-bronze mounts. His neo-classical furniture was adorned with classically-inspired motifs before gradually introducing ornaments and shapes of the then fashionable Empire style, often inspired by contemporary events such as Napoleon's campaign in Egypt.

The present lot is very closely related to a chiffonier stamped by Bernard Molitor in a private collection. Particularly similar are the mounts on the outer uprights depicting women with arabesque-style ornament. The whimsical design of the pulls is also seen on other commodes of the period. Christie’s would like to thank Ulrich Leben, Associate Curator Waddesdon Manor, The Rothschild Collection and specialist in the work of Bernard Molitor, for kindly providing this information.

It is possible this commode was once in the collection of Annie Pearson, Viscountess Cowdray. She was a celebrated English philanthropist, suffragist and society hostess. Her generous donations to the Royal College of Nursing earned her the nickname ‘Fairy Godmother.’ She lived in Dunecht House in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, which dates back to the 1700’s. The existing structure was erected in 1820 with a prominent Italianate influence, and is preserved by the Scottish Government.