A Baltic Commode

A rare early nineteenth century mahogany commode, the finely figured overhanging top above three graduated drawers with shaped ebonised panels, each with central gilt brass lock escutcheons (one replaced), the sides with finely chased gilt brass mounts of classical torches, the whole raised upon square tapering legs.

The precise origins of this commode remain a slight enigma although it can be placed within the Baltic region for a number of stylistic reasons. The panelled front relates to German furniture from the early nineteenth century and specifically designs of the Biedermeier Movement. These principles were also taken up by Scandinavian designers in the first decades of the nineteenth century. The gilt metal mounts on this piece look across the Baltic sea to Swedish metal work. And yet the overall drawing of this commode relates also to Russian forms. This would suggest that the cabinet maker behind this piece must have drawn upon a number of foreign influences and for this reason we have catalogued it as having been made in the Baltic region.