An Italian gilt-bronze mounted kingwood and tulipwood parquetry bedside table (comodino), Rome, third quarter of 18th century

Sotheby’s, Milan, 9-10th June 2009, lot 170.

The serpentine shape, parquetry geometric design and gilt-bronze sabots of this elegant bedside table are related to the celebrated commode with the coat-of arms of the Boncompagni Ludovisi family (the dragon mounts including three strips below) now in a private collection (illustrated in Alvar González-Palacios, Il Mobile a Roma, 2024, p.244). While González-Palacios praises the commode’s powerful silhouette, exceptional parquetry design, and mounts, as well as the contrasting woods—which also apply to the present —it can be suggested that both furniture pieces originated from the same workshop. They are most certainly remarkable examples of the Roman production in the third quarter of the 18th century.

The design for small commodes with a retractable kneeler (to serve as a prieu dieu) is said to commonly originate from Rome between the rococo and neo-classical period. Sometimes called a 'comodino con alzata' or 'comodino con inginocchiatoio e alzata' , these furniture pieces essentially consist of a small commode with drawers destined for a bedroom with the kneeler often covered in the same textile as that used to decorate the room. Some were carved with different carved motifs, in various materials-from lacquer to inlay. More sophisticated examples had a rising section revealing a devotional niche. 

A comparable Roman parquetry commode, slightly earlier in date, was sold at Christie’s, New York, 23rd October 2003, lot 681. Further examples are illustrated in Alvar González-Palacios, Il Mobile a Roma, 2024, pp.245-250.

The mounts at the corner in the shape of eagles could refer to a number of Italian families with ties to Rome including the Conti family, the Este and the Boncompagni-Ludovisi family.