Description:

A Very Fine and Important French 19th Century Louis XV Style Gilt-Bronze Mounted Mahogany and Fruitwood Marquetry Commode Attributed to Wassmus Frers. Circa: 1860

Height: 35 inches (89 cm.)
Width: 53 inches (1.35 mts)
Depth: 22 1/4 inches (56 cm)

REF: A600

Information about Wassmus Frers.: Henri-Leonard Wassmus was the son of Jean-Henri-Chrétienand the nephew of Jean-Henri-Christophe who where known as the ébenistes, Wassmus Frers. Henri-Leonard Wassmus, however, surpassed both his father and uncle in both tchnical and design achievement as an ébeniste. He became the chief designer of his family's firm making it one of the most important of the mid-19th century.
After exhibiting at the Exposition Universelle in 1855 many important commissions were received, including a salon suite for the Garde-Meuble of the Crown for the Chateu at Compiegne; five desks and two cabinets and several other pieces for the Chateau at St. Cloud and two bibliothèques for the Empress for the Tuilleries. In an othe order placed in 1862 by the Garde-Meuble there is mention of a pair of Louis XVI commodes richly embellished with gilt bronze and central marquetry panels of vases of flowers.
The National Museum of the Chateau of Compiegne retains most of the furniture ordered in 1859. Wassmus was celebrated particulary for his works influenced by the great 18th century ébeniste, Jean-Henri Riesener (1734-1806), cabinetmaker to the King. Several mentions are made in documents of sale referring to Wassmus' works as being in the style of Riesener. In 1856 he delivered a gueridon for the Chateau at St. Cloud that described in detail as being genere Riesener, made of amaranth and rosewood garnished with beautiful bronzes ciselés comme l'orfevrerie et dorés- chased like jewelry gilded. The offered Commode is also based on a model delivered to the Crown. It, too, exhibit fine jewel-like chasing and superlative marquetry.