Jean-Frédéric Ratié & JME - large double chest of drawers - "à la grecque" - Transition

Jean-Frédéric Ratié (1755-1838) and JME
Transition chest of drawers, with double central projection and single lateral projection; three drawers without crossbar.
Rosewood and fruitwood veneer on oak frame; gilded bronzes and Languedoc griotte marble top.
Double-stamped, with Jurande hallmark nearby (front and back left jambs).
Paris, circa 1780
Dimensions with marble: W. 113; D. 50; H. 89 (cm.)

The commode à ressaut, flagship of the Transition or "à la grecque" style
This large chest of drawers is quite elaborate. It has a double central projection and a single lateral projection, and three drawers without a crossbar. The frame is made of oak assembled with dowels and dovetails. The veneer is integral on three sides: rosewood and fruitwood (partly stained) for the fillets. The Languedoc Morello cherry marble is beautifully polished, and its cut-out finish is a perfect complement to the lines of this fine piece of furniture.
Commodes à ressaut are true markers of the Transition style (circa 1755-1775): the excesses of curves and counter-curves of the Rocaille movement are followed by a return to rigor: symmetry, sobriety and straight lines, as seen on the upper part of our commode.

The importance of stamping...
Jean-Frédéric Ratié or Rathier, received his master's degree in 1783, was a Parisian cabinetmaker whose furniture was of the highest quality, as evidenced by late orders from the Garde Meuble Royal for three commodes for the Château de Saint-Cloud in 1791. The JME mark next to the stamp is an abbreviation of the words "Jurande des Maîtres Ebénistes". This hallmark is used to control the production of master cabinetmakers and to collect taxes related to the operation of the guild. Despite this cabinetmaker's late entry into the Master's program in terms of transitional style execution, this chest of drawers is not an isolated case. The same cabinetmaker, stamped as such, is also to be compared:

- a large Transition-style mahogany writing chest (with JME hallmark) sold by a Lyon dealer
- a Transition-style marquetry secretary with flap, also hallmarked JME, sold at Versailles in 2009
- a chest of drawers with a single projection, sold at Drouot about five years ago.

Our commode is a perfect summary of the intense activity that reigned in Paris at the end of the Ancien Régime among master ebénistes.

Provenance: Haussmann apartment in the 16th arrondissement.

Condition report: restored by our cabinetmaker. The old "varnish" has been revived to tastefully bring out the multiple contrasts of the marquetry. Of note are some well-crafted old bronzes, dating from the 19th century, and those from the 18th century with their original gilding. The marble is also old and deeply cut. Restoration due to use and maintenance.

For terms of sale, delivery or additional photos, please contact us.

This chest of drawers can be seen in Paris.

Ref: NZ30G1GQEC