Important Louis XV Inlaid Kingwood Commode by Pierre Migeon

Description

Important Louis XV ormolu-mounted tulipwood, kingwood and fruitwood marquetry commode by Pierre II Migeon, circa 1748, the mounts bearing the crowned “C” Mark with molded serpentine fronted porto marble top above two drawers ‘sans traverse” raised on cabriole legs headed by original ormolu mounts cast and chiseled with wave motifs and scrolling foliage ending in pierced ormolu sabots, the front and sides veneered to form floral sprays and cartouche shaped borders, fitted with scrolling foliate ormolu handles on grounds of tulipwood surrounded by kingwood borders fitted with scrolling foliate ormolu handles cast with sea scrolls wave motifs and foliage keyhole escutcheons and apron mount. Pierre II Migeon MARCHAND – EBENISTE 1701-1758. The crown “C” mark was a tax stamp used on any alloy incorporating copper from March 1745 to February 1749. On the center panel below the marble top, there remains a pencil inscription which has yet to be deciphered, but is dated 1748. Chateau or collection “B” stamp near makers mark.  Migeon, presumably a Calvinist and therefore ineligible to obtain a master’s status, was nonetheless one of the most skilled craftsmen of his era. His rank of Marchand Ebeniste allowed him to represent the works of other artisans and he was a favorite of Madame de Pompadour.

Provenance: Anonymous sale Pelle Galleria France June 18-19, 1964

Sotheby’s NY 1999

Private collection