A Louis XV ormolu-mounted polychrome lacquer commode, circa 1745-49, stamped P. Roussel, JME, the ormolu bearing the C couronné poinçon

with a serpentine-fronted molded marble top above two drawers sans traverse, raised on cabriole legs fitted with foliate ormolu chutes ending in ormolu sabots; the front and sides decorated with chinoiserie lacquer panels incorporating birds perched on a variety of flowering branches and still-life motifs in multicolors on a black ground outlined with a stylized Greek key border. Pierre Roussel, maître in 1745. The 'C Couronné poinçon', (Crowned C) was a tax mark struck on any alloy incorporating copper, produced or offered for re-sale between March 1745 and February 1749. 85.5 cm; 80 cm; 47.5 cm. Lot sold  43,750 USD

NOTE : Pierre Roussel (1723-1782), the son of a cabinet-maker, established his workshop on rue de Charenton where he rapidly became well known. By 1769 he was cited as "l'un des premiers ébénistes" in Paris. One of his principal patrons was the Prince de Condé for whom Roussel supplied furniture both for the Palais Royal and the Château de Chantilly. The majority of Roussel's work was executed in a fully developed Louis XV style and included a great number of commodes which primarily seem to have been executed with wood veneers. There are, however, a number of lacquer commodes recorded, the great majority of which were executed using vernis Martin in imitation of Chinese and Japanese lacquer. It is also noteworthy that Roussel seems to have produced quite a large number of small commodes which, like the present example, are sparsely mounted, the emphasis being on the treatment and decorative quality of the veneers.

Sotheby's. Important French Furniture. 06 Nov 08. New York  Photo courtesy Sotheby's. www.sothebys.com