Early 18th Century Regence Burr Maple Commode Attributed to Thomas Hache of Grenoble

Exceptionally fine early 18th Century (c.1720) French Regence commode attributed to Thomas Hache of Grenoble. The rectangular moulded geometrically top banded with kingwood and strung boxwood with burr maple top set upon a very sophisticated double serpentine shaped body with outset angles to both the front and back. The top central section consists of various panels of burr maple, largely quarter veneered, set between wide contrasting stringing. The overall effect is geometric and highly refined and the standard of the work is quite exceptional. With the central cartouche flanked by two diamond-shaped reserves, the top looks very much like the design for a specimen top table from one of the major Italian workshops and it is tantalising to consider the possibility that this is exactly what the commode might have flanked when it was first made. The body of the commode is of inverted oxbow or arc en arbalete, a form which is echoed in part by the shape chosen for the trusses to each angle. Again the veneers chosen for the piece are of exceptional having attained an wonderful colour. The commode has three drawers of uniform size, with exceptional ormolu handles and escutcheons which are beautifully cast, chased and finished, also another sign of Hache as these were is favoured design of handles and escutcheons used on other commodes of his. The piece also retains its original key which is a little masterpiece of metalwork in itself and a rare survival from this period. Below the drawers is a short central apron which also has a fine ormolu mount and there are equally impressive gilt-bronze pied de biche. Due to the form of the piece, the handle pattern and the use of inlay design and fine burr timber are all so typical of the celebrated ebeniste Thomas Hache and made around 1720. The Hache dynasty of ebenistes was one of the most important family firms in France throughout the late 17th and 18th centuries and Thomas, the first of the family to practice in this trade and one of twelve children, was the greatest of them all. Revered in Grenoble to this day, an exhibition on the family and their work was held at the MusÈe Dauphinois between 1997 and 1999 and pieces by Thomas and his relatives are keenly sought by collectors and museums alike. For more information on the firm, see Marianne Clerc, Hache EbÈnistes A Grenoble, Grenoble, 1997.