Bureau en pente en marqueterie de bois satiné et d'amarante d'époque Louis XV, estampillé BVRB

à décor géométrique, la façade, les côtés et le dos galbés ; l'abattant découvrant trois casiers, cinq tiroirs et un compartiment secret marqueté contenant trois autres tiroirs ; chutes d'angle à décor de fleurettes et sabots en bronze doré

The illustration of the catalogue is accurate. Good overall condition despite the inevitable scratches and marks throughout due to age and use. There are some small losses to the marquetry especially on the legs. A previous small shrinkage crack has been restored on the fall front door. Some minor restorations to the marquetry all over. The sliding top inside the desk is slightly wrapped and there are some minor scratches on this top. The gilding of the mounts is tarnished. The inner of the drawers have kept the original purple patina which was to match with the original colour of the amaranth. Very nice model with delicate proportions and beautiful marquetry. This desk come from an old French aristocratic family who has kept this piece for more than 100 years.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

BVRB fut l'un des grands créateurs de ce type de bureau en pente, appelé aussi secrétaire en pente par Lazard Duvaux. La plupart de sa production est ornée de marqueterie florale en bois de bout ou de précieux panneaux en laque orientale, montrant combien ce meuble léger était l'objet de la plus grande attention et du plus grand luxe. Le décor de notre bureau est particulièrement innovant par ces courbes rayonnantes dénuées de tout ornement floral.  

Sa collaboration avec les plus grands marchands–merciers  tels que Thomas-Joachim Hébert, Lazare Duvaux et Simon-Philippe Poirier lui permit de créer des montures de bronze doré de la plus belle qualité de ciselure. Leur fonte aurait été trop onéreuse pour les ébénistes indépendants. BVRB créait lui même ses bronzes dont les nôtres que l'on retrouve sur d'autres bureaux en pentes de cet ébéniste:
- vente Ader, Paris, le 12 décembre 1992, lot 97
- vente Pierre Bergé, Bruxelles, le 23 novembre 2007, lot 175.