Commode (commode à vantaux)
by WEISWEILER, Adam, Oak veneered with ebony, amaranth, holly, ebonised holly, satinwood, Japanese and French lacquer panels; gilt-bronze mounts, brocatelle marble top (not original); steel springs; morocco leather (not original), 98 x 149 x 57 cm
This commode was purchased by Ferdinand IV (1751–1825), king of Naples, and was placed in his study at the royal palace of Caserta. Mounted with Japanese lacquer and exquisite gilt bronze the commode was the work of Adam Weisweiler, who stamped the back.
The drawers of the breakfront commode, known as a commode à vantaux during the eighteenth century, are enclosed behind a double-hinged and bolted folding door to the right, and a single door to the left. The sculptural half-figure corner mounts and those of the frieze, which include scrolling acanthus and ivy leaves, goats, and playful infant fauns, add a richness to this furniture. Because of their outstanding quality they have been attributed to the bronze worker Pierre Gouthi�re (1732–1813) or the bronze gilder, caster, and chaser Fran�ois R�mond (c. 1747-1812).