A Palatial Pair of Late 19th / Early 20th Century Gilt Bronze Mounted Malachite Commodes
Item # 8805
A Palatial Pair of Late 19th / Early 20th Century Gilt Bronze Mounted Malachite Commodes
After the 18th century model designed by The Slodtz Brothers and executed by Antoine Gaudreaux.
Each commode surmounted by a serpentine malachite top, above two central doors, each centered by an oval medallion surrounded by a scrolling ribbon floral frame. The sides also with similar medallions, on four cabriole legs surmounted with rams heads.
These pieces are based on the commode médallier by Antoine Gaudreaux (d. 1746), so called because it contained a set of the famous series of medals known as the medallic history of Louis XIV and Louis XV, which included portraits of the leading crowned heads of Europe. It was delivered on 10 January 1739 for the Cabinet aux tableaux in Louis XV's new apartments at Versailles.
Malachite is a semi-precious stone and also a valuable copper ore, hydrous copper carbonate. It is a beautiful green earth stone with irregular black banding. It is easily recognized by its color, green streak, and silky or velvety luster. It was used to make beautiful jewelry and to adorn only the finest pieces of furniture. In the 18th and 19th centuries malachite was popular with Russian Czars and Nobility. They often used it to decorate their palaces and own personal furnishings. The Hermitage Museum has one of the biggest and best displays of Malachite pieces in the world.
Details:
Height – 36 inches / 91cm
Width – 68 inches / 173cm
Depth – 26 inches / 66cm
