An Exceptional Ormolu Mounted Commode by Pierre Langlois.

The commode with a serpentine shaped top above a Bombe front, containing a single drawer above a pair of doors opening to reveal shelves and pigeonholes.  The commode retaining its original rococo ormolu mounts and being of outstanding colour and patination.  The commode finely veneered in a combination of Satine, Rosewood, kingwood on an oak base.

Several features of this commode confirm an origin in the workshop of Pierre Langlois, including its bombé form, the skilful interplay of diagonally banded and quartered veneers, and the rough panelled construction of the back and top in black-stained softwood (echoing French construction). The fashion for inlaid and ormolu-enriched furniture was accentuated by the French ébéniste, Pierre Langlois.  Based in Tottenham Court Road, London, from the 1750’s, Langlois specialised in marquetry both in woods and brass in the decoration of “all sorts of fine cabinets and commodes…clock cases….secretaires ecoignures et autre meubles” (Trade card), which made him the most renowned cabinet-maker of his time.  His introduction of Parisian style to English furniture brought considerable business success.