French Directoire Commode, circa 1795
France, Directoire period (1790–1799)
Mahogany, brass, and white marble
Dimensions: H. 86 cm × W. 131.45 cm × D. 60.33 cm
This refined Directoire-period commode features a rectangular white marble top with rounded corners, resting above a conforming mahogany case fitted with three small frieze drawers and two full-length drawers. Each drawer is trimmed with brass mouldings and fitted with square brass bail handles.
The sides of the case are bordered with matching brass fillets, while the front is flanked by inset brass-fluted pilaster columns — a hallmark of neoclassical purity. The piece is raised on turned toupie feet finished with gilt-bronze sabots, contributing to its architectural elegance.
A superb example of French Directoire craftsmanship, combining rational structure with restrained ornamentation inspired by the late 18th-century return to antiquity.
