Louis XV Period Bombé Commode,Stamped J. Bircklé, Paris, Circa 1760Rosewood veneer with gilt-bronze mounts and original molded Brèche d'Alep marble top. Bearing the JME guild stamp. A refined example of mid-18th century Parisian cabinetmaking.32 in. H x 38.5 in. W x 20.5 in. D.
Louis XV Period Bombé Commode Stamped J. Bircklé, Paris, Circa 1760
A finely proportioned Louis XV period bombé commode by the distinguished Parisian ébéniste Jean-Baptiste Bircklé (1734–1803), bearing his stamped signature and the JME (Jurande des Maîtres Ébénistes) guild mark.
Executed circa 1760, the chest displays the graceful curves and sophisticated restraint characteristic of the finest Parisian furniture of the late Louis XV period. While modest in scale, the commode possesses a remarkably sculptural presence, its subtly bombé case rising above elegant cabriole legs and terminating in gilt-bronze sabots. The gently swelling sides, serpentine front, and shaped apron create a continuous sense of movement, giving the piece an unusual lightness and refinement.
The case is veneered throughout in richly figured rosewood arranged in striking bookmatched and chevron patterns, highlighted by delicate string inlay and shaped reserves. Particularly notable is the exceptional selection and placement of veneers, whose warm color and dramatic grain animate every surface. Finely chased gilt-bronze mounts, including rocaille drawer pulls, escutcheons, corner mounts, and apron ornament, provide a rich decorative counterpoint while emphasizing the fluid Louis XV silhouette.
The commode retains its original molded Brèche d'Alep marble top, distinguished by soft rose, gray, and cream tones that harmonize beautifully with the warmth of the veneers. The deeply shaped front corners and molded edge further enhance the sculptural quality of the piece.
Jean-Baptiste Bircklé established his workshop on the Rue Saint-Nicolas in Paris and was received maître ébéniste in 1764, though he had already achieved considerable success before that date. Renowned for the quality of his marquetry and the elegance of his forms, Bircklé supplied an aristocratic clientele and later received commissions associated with the circle of Marie-Antoinette and the Duc d'Orléans. Today, his work is represented in important museum collections including the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, the Musée Cognacq-Jay, Paris, and the Musée Lambinet, Versailles.
Combining exceptional proportions, beautifully figured veneers, original marble, and the desirable stamp of one of Paris's most respected eighteenth-century cabinetmakers, this commode represents an elegant and highly decorative example of Louis XV furniture at its most refined.
