Sep 9, 2025 10:00 EST

The Collection of Lucille Coleman

 
 

Louis XV/XVI Transitional Ormolu-Mounted Kingwood, Tulipwood and Parquetry Commode

Estate / Collection: The Collection of Lucille Coleman

Stamped three times C. Saunier and JME, mid-18th century

The later molded and shaped rectangular pernice marble top above a paneled frieze with three foliate scroll inlaid drawers above two long drawers inlaid sans traverse with panels, all above a shaped apron centered by a medallion mount, the angles headed by a ram's head masks on cabriole legs and foliate feet.

Height 35 inches (88.9 cm), width 51 inches (129.5 cm), depth 22 1/2 inches (57.1 cm).

Claude-Charles Saunier maître 1752

Literature:

-Pierre Kjellberg, Le Mobilier Français Du XVIII-Siecle, Les Éditions de l'Amateur, 2002, page 812-824.

This commode exemplifies the refined and recognizable style of Claude-Charles Saunier. Its break-fronted form, harmonious gilt-bronze mounts, and clean, linear silhouette are hallmarks of his craftsmanship. The interplay of light and dark woods—expertly contrasted—further enhances the visual balance and sophistication of the piece.

Saunier, who received his maître in 1752, was born into a respected family of ébénistes. By 1757, he was working in the Parisian workshop of his father, Jean-Charles Saunier, located on the rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine. While his early work reflected the ornate Rococo sensibilities of the Louis XV period, he soon embraced the emerging Neoclassical style that defined the transitional and Louis XVI eras—an aesthetic shift that would come to characterize his legacy.

His reputation extended far beyond France, with his work gaining international acclaim, particularly in London, through commissions arranged by the influential marchand-mercier Dominique Daguerre.

Estimate
$15,000 - $25,000
 

Register to bid

 

Estate / Collection: The Collection of Lucille Coleman

Stamped three times C. Saunier and JME, mid-18th century

The later molded and shaped rectangular pernice marble top above a paneled frieze with three foliate scroll inlaid drawers above two long drawers inlaid sans traverse with panels, all above a shaped apron centered by a medallion mount, the angles headed by a ram's head masks on cabriole legs and foliate feet.

Height 35 inches (88.9 cm), width 51 inches (129.5 cm), depth 22 1/2 inches (57.1 cm).

Claude-Charles Saunier maître 1752

Notes:

Literature:

-Pierre Kjellberg, Le Mobilier Français Du XVIII-Siecle, Les Éditions de l'Amateur, 2002, page 812-824.

This commode exemplifies the refined and recognizable style of Claude-Charles Saunier. Its break-fronted form, harmonious gilt-bronze mounts, and clean, linear silhouette are hallmarks of his craftsmanship. The interplay of light and dark woods—expertly contrasted—further enhances the visual balance and sophistication of the piece.

Saunier, who received his maître in 1752, was born into a respected family of ébénistes. By 1757, he was working in the Parisian workshop of his father, Jean-Charles Saunier, located on the rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine. While his early work reflected the ornate Rococo sensibilities of the Louis XV period, he soon embraced the emerging Neoclassical style that defined the transitional and Louis XVI eras—an aesthetic shift that would come to characterize his legacy.

His reputation extended far beyond France, with his work gaining international acclaim, particularly in London, through commissions arranged by the influential marchand-mercier Dominique Daguerre.

With previous restorations, marble top later,minuscule traces of woodworm to underside, rubbing to mounts, age crack to proper right side, some mounts loose, lacking original key, old marks and scratches.

Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client, is an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact and our Organization shall have no responsibility for any error or omission. Please contact the specialist department to request further information or additional images that may be available.


Request a condition report

See our 'Buying at Doyle' page for more information.

Auction: The Collection of Lucille Coleman, Sep 9, 2025

DOYLE to Auction The Collection of Lucille Coleman 

Series of Sales to Begin September 2025 with a Dedicated Single-Owner Auction 

DOYLE is honored to announce the upcoming auction of The Collection of Lucille Coleman, a refined and wide-ranging assemblage of fine art, furniture, decorative objects, and Asian works of art from the esteemed New York collector and philanthropist known for her generosity, taste, and deep civic commitment. The series of sales will commence in September 2025 with a dedicated single-owner auction, followed by select category-specific auctions, including Asian Works of Art, Important Paintings, Prints & Multiples, and Fine Art through December.

Lucille Coleman was a gracious presence in New York’s philanthropic and cultural circles. Known for her exceptional taste and quiet generosity, she brought elegance to every endeavor—from her thoughtful collecting to her steadfast support of charitable organizations. Among her many philanthropic commitments, she maintained a decades-long relationship with NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, which honored her contributions by naming a residential tower on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Her collection reflects a life dedicated to beauty, legacy, and meaningful engagement with the world around her.

The initial single-owner sale will focus on Mrs. Coleman’s superb collection of furniture and decorative arts, featuring standout pieces such as a Late Louis XV ormolu-mounted kingwood, tulipwood, and parquetry commode and a Russian silver-gilt and cloisonné enamel tea service. These are complemented by an extensive selection of American and Continental silver, offering a glimpse into a home curated with refinement and purpose.

Further auctions will highlight the breadth of her interests, including a remarkable group of Asian works of art. Chief among them is a rare and important ensemble of Japanese Meiji figural bronzes crafted by leading workshops of the period—pieces originally intended to awe Western audiences with their romantic vision of Japanese culture. Additional highlights include two gilt-bronze seated figures of Amitayus and a monumental Japanese bronze figure of an ascetic atop a lion dog, each exemplifying the extraordinary artistry and symbolism of the region.

Mrs. Coleman’s passion for European modernism is also reflected in her collection of paintings by artists such as Louis Valtat, Bernard Buffet, Gustave Loiseau, and Maurice de Vlaminck. These works—ranging from bold Fauvist compositions to lyrical post-Impressionist landscapes—underscore her keen eye for color, form, and expressive beauty.

Through its expert stewardship of single-owner collections, DOYLE will bring Mrs. Coleman’s legacy to a broad collecting audience while honoring her commitment to excellence, connoisseurship, and philanthropy.

View all lots in this sale

Sell one like this

Your Details

Item Details

Current Location of Item(s)

Images *

Drag and drop .jpg images here to upload, or click here to select images.


Doyle Contact

Marketing Preferences