Commode

The commode, or low chest of drawers, appeared in France as early as 1700, and is regarded by many as the furniture form best expressing eighteenth-century style and taste. As decorative furniture, commodes surpassed tall cabinets in popularity because their shorter height did not interfere with wall decorations such as paintings and tapestries.

The Art Museum’s commode is an exceptional example of eighteenth-century furniture. The serpentine bombé, or swelling, form and the curving legs undulate in a manner associated with the Rococo style, which emphasized scrolls, C-curves, S-curves, and shell motifs. The exquisite floral marquetry (decorative veneer) and inlay work echo the curves of the commode body. The richly mounted gilt bronze scrolled drawer handles, the central cartouche (ornamental panel), the shell-shaped apron ornament, and the knee appliqués and sabots (feet) together create the decorative abundance typical of this period.

This commode is attributed to Jean-Pierre Latz, one of the most distinguished French cabinetmakers of the mid-eighteenth century. Latz was born in Germany, moved to Paris around 1719, and soon thereafter opened his own cabinetmaking shop. He is notable for his marquetry work. Although Latz specialized in clock cases, he also made commodes, corner cupboards, and desks. Latz rarely marked his work, so few pieces can be securely attributed to him. Several works, including this commode, have been assigned to Latz on the basis of design, style, and fabrication techniques.