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19th C. Antique Neapolitan Oak, Gilt Polychrome Commode
Exceptional 19th Century Antique Neapolitan Oak Commode with Polychrome and Gilt decoration on the panels (possibly of early 18th century or of a late Baroque period). The molded top with a Gilt Dentil Frieze and the side panel doors with Cherub Heads in a stylized Leaf Motif embracing the Cherubs. The central panel is depicting St. Andrew with two Cherub heads, above that are flaming torches and scrolls, St. Andrew is with rich Polychrome Paint and in high relief carving. The Commode is with a center shelf inside (with a key for the lock), the bold molded base is terminated in bun feet. H:3'2.5" W:4'7" D:20 1/4"
The Neapolitan furniture of the 1600s is monumental, and reflects the attitude of the period it is decorated with inlay, intaglio, sculpture and is often gilded.
Richly inlaid marbles cover the top surfaces of tables and chests of drawers, and the gilt work is much favoured. Also in Palermo, in the XVIII century, furniture craftsmanship begins to take account of French and English fashion, as well as techniques in use in the various regions of Italy. In 18th century Sicilian fur
niture, alongside gilt work, there is often silvering, especially in lacquered pieces, which constitute the most characteristic Sicilian production of the century. The French influence in furnishing makes itself more apparent throughout the XVIII century. The vivacious rocaille offers new opportunities to the ingenious imagination of southern craftsmen: and thus the series of chests of drawers and bureaux veneered in different woods and decorated with inlaid motifs; the traditional taste for inlay finds expression in the decoration of seating, frames and especially in wall tables.
Towards the middle of the century, with the archaeological discoveries of Herculaneum and Pompeii, the neoclassical taste becomes increasingly apparent in furnishings, and Naples – by this time long standing capital – is among the first centres to adopt the new style. In this way we arrive at the so-called “ferdinandei” furnishings, named after Ferdinand IV of Bourbon: wall tables, mirrors, straight-back chairs, lacquered in an ivory colour with inlaid and gilt decoration, taken from the neoclassical repertoire. At the beginning of the 19th century, the brief Napoleonic domination and style depicts the Boldness of this commode. Polychrome is one of the terms used to describe the use of multiple colors in one entity such as depicted in the paint surface of St. Andrew in the center Panel. As true in the architecture of our early history is the revival and use of Polychrome paint on surfaces of the Furniture and Decorative Arts throughout history as illustrated in this Antique Neopolitan Commode.
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