Lot 358Pair of Northern Italian Neoclassical Walnut, Fruitwood and Marquetry Commodes
Late 18th century
Each rectangular top centered by an octagonal panel depicting a seated turbaned figure, within crossbanded borders, above a conforming case fitted with three drawers with portrait medallions and interspersed with square reserves, the paneled sides similarly inlaid, raised on tapering square legs. Height 36 1/4 inches (92 cm), width 52 inches (1.32), depth 21 3/4 inches (55.3 cm).
The rectilinear form and marquetry decoration of the present commodes are typical of Northern Italian examples and relate to the work of the celebrated Milanese furniture maker, Giuseppe Maggiolini (1738-1814) and his gifted pupil from Cremona, Giovanni Maffazolli (1776-1818). Both makers employed devices of similar cameo portraits, as found on the present pair of commodes.


C Property of a Boston, Massachusetts Collector

Sold for $12,500
Estimate $12,000-18,000

Unrestored condition, good color, restorations throughout, losses and lifting to veneers and marquetry.
1 - Central panel of seated figure lacking arm and part of turban, losses to drawer front veneers, middle drawer once fitted with handles and now plugged, inside runner to bottom drawer in need of refixing so drawer can close properly, side panels with shrinkage, escutcheons later, lacking keys.
2 - Age crack width wise to top, black stain to back left corner, perishing to varnish of top, losses to line linlay of left front, losses to drawer front moldings, age cracks, losses and lifting to side panels, top and bottom drawers, formerly fitted with locks and now with handles, middle drawer formerly fitted with handles now with plugs, and also once fitted with a lock, now lacking.


Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Doyle New York shall have no responsibility for any error or omission. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging.