FRANÇOIS BAYER

French Commode, Transition, Paris, circa 1760

Height x width x depth: 92 x 123 x 57 cm.

elegant example of fine wood commode, with amaranth and rosewood veneer (Dalbergia spp), inlaid with floral motifs and enhanced by gilt bronze ornaments applied to the edges and handles. The top is surmounted by a red Rance marble top, while the body features two convex drawers and an elegance in lines characteristic of the Transition between Rococo and Neoclassicism.

Signed with the firebrand mark “F.BAYER” and JME.

This lot is accompanied by an expertise issued by Ce.S.Ar Centro studi archeometici.

Literature:
François Bayer was a Parisian *ébéniste* active in the second half of the 18th century, patented as a maître in 1764. He worked in the *Faubourg Saint-Antoine* district, a well-known centre of Parisian furniture production. His work was part of the transitional period between the Rocaille and Neoclassical styles, with furniture characterised by geometric marqueterie, precious woods (such as bois de rose, bois de violette) and high-quality gilded bronzes.

Bayer signed his furniture with the mark *‘BAYER’*, usually branded on the back or inside the structure. His works, which are rather rare, are appreciated for their sobriety of form and decorative balance, typical of the Louis XVI style.

Essential bibliography:

- Pierre Kjellberg, *Le mobilier français du XVIIIe siècle*, Paris, Les Éditions de l'Amateur, 1989
- Alexandre Pradère, *Les Ébénistes français de Louis XIV à la Révolution*, Paris, 1989
- Comte de Salverte, *Les Ébénistes du XVIIIe siècle*, Paris, 1923
- Daniel Alcouffe (dir.), *Le mobilier du musée du Louvre*, Paris, 1993
- Archives nationales de France, Dossiers des maîtres ébénistes

Museums:
Francois Bayer's artworks are displayed in prestigious collections, including these museums:
- London, Victoria & Albert Museum
- Cleveland Museum of Art