Commode

Attributedattributed to Joseph Schmitz (French, active ca. 1761-1782)

ClassificationsDECORATIVE ARTS

Date1760-1770

Mediumoak caracass veneered with kingwood, tulipwood, boxwood, and sycamore; gilt bronze mounts; bleu tigré marble top.

Dimensions34 1/2 x 65 7/16 x 28 9/16 in. (87.6 x 166.2 x 72.5 cm.)

SignedDuveen label: C5734. Writing on carcass in pencil: Repolished by Thomas H [or K?] Monbro May 10, 1856. Paper label: J. Chenue / French Packer / 16, Great St. Andrew Street / Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W.C.. The customer's name, Founes, is inscribed on the label in ink.

InscribedLabel on inside, top drawer "C5734".

MarkingsWriting on inside of top: "Repolished by ________ May 10, 1856" also "1855 Thomas H or K"

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. The Arabella D. Huntington Memorial Art Collection.

Status

On view

Label TextThis commode is similar to one displayed across the room. Although the two commodes appear to be identical, significant differences in construction and decoration suggest that they were made by different cabinetmakers employed in the workshop of Joseph Schmitz. By 1926, they had been paired by the art dealer Joseph Duveen, who could command a higher price for a matched set. Duveen was the principal dealer for Henry and Arabella Huntington.

Object number27.118