Clément Mère

Émile Sedeyn, "Clement Mère et Franz Waldraff," Art et Décoration, December 1912, p. 162 (for related examples)

Overall excellent original condition. The embossed leather with an intricate decorative pattern heightened with rich green and gold hues. The leather on the side of the box cover with two very minor old edge losses consistent with handling. An enchanting object showing Mère's expertise in embossed leather. The edging and interior of the covered box is executed in a richly figured rosewood that heightens the decorative scheme. A rare work to appear on the auction market.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Born in the South of France, Clément Mère learned painting with Gérôme at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris. He painted several landscapes that were exhibited at the Salon de la Societe Nationale des Beaux Arts in the 1890s. In 1900, he worked for the Gallery La Maison Moderne in Paris, where he met the German painter Franz Waldraff.

The two artists began working together while living in Paris. Mère produced his first coloured and embossed leather works in 1901. Until 1927, he presented several extraordinary bindings, boxes and small objects and pieces of furniture to various Parisian Salons. During Mere's lifetime and onwards, French Museums acquired several precious objects, remarkable for their delicate design and technique. Several pieces by Mère, including a cabinet decorated with embossed leather flowers reminiscent of the present lot, are in the collections of the Musee d’Orsay, Paris.