Neoclassical Commode with Marquetry Decoration, Franconia, Dated 1798

Three-drawer Neoclassical commode with a bombe-shaped body standing on fluted, tapered square legs. The commode is richly veneered in walnut, burled walnut, and various fruitwoods, with fine pewter inlays. The drawer fronts feature elaborate marquetry with ribbon and festoon decorations, framed by geometric band inlays. The top is also richly inlaid and displays a central rosette with the initials “BWB”. Inside is a handwritten paper label bearing the following inscription: “Durch die Hülff Gottes hat gantz allein der Meister deß Schreiner Handwerks namentlich Georg Friedrich Roit (?) in Schweinfurth in seinen 87 ½ jaehrigem Alter verfertigt hat Ao 1798 d. 16 July.” (“With the help of God, the master of the joiners’ craft, namely Georg Friedrich Roit (?) of Schweinfurt, made this entirely by himself at the age of 87½ years, in the year 1798, on the 16th of July.”) According to the inscription, the commode was made on July 16, 1798, by the master cabinetmaker Georg Friedrich Roit (?), in Schweinfurt, at the age of 87½. The commode has been professionally restored and hand-polished. The fittings are later additions in the historical style.