A Fine Italian Marquetry Commode attributed to Giuseppe Maggiolini

Italy, circa 1780

A fine late eighteenth century Italian commode attributed to Giuseppe Maggliolini, with kingwood, amaranth, tulipwood and fruitwood marquetry panels to the front and sides, showing columns and arcades, the front panel surmounted by garlands to the top, and with Greek Key border to the bottom, the panel lifting to reveal two drawers inside. The commode with Rosso San Angelo marble top, all supported on four gadrooned feet.

Giuseppe Maggliolini (1738-1814) was an Italian cabinetmaker renowned for his characteristic marquetry work. Working with high quality veneers, often of exotic timbers, Maggliolini created wonderful illusionary and pictorial effects.

Maggliolini was first noticed for his advanced and highly skilled marquetry work in 1768, when he was visited by the designer Giuseppe Levati and Marchese Litta, which led to several commissions at the villa of the Marchese. He was soon recognised in wider circles and held the title of Intarsiatore delle Loro Altezze Reali. In 1771 he received his first important commission to supply furniture to the Milanese court, on the marriage of the Archduke Ferdinando di Lorena and Duchess Maric Beatrice d'Este.

In addition to serving the court of Milan, Maggiolini created pieces for other European royalty including the King of Poland, Empress Maria Theresa of Austria, the Duchess of Austria, and Napoleon's widow, Empress Maria Luisa.

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance