Jean-Auguste Dampt (1854 - 1946)

oak and wrought iron, the central door carved with vine and fruit, the two smaller side doors each with a sheaf of wheat, the hinges of stylised foliate design

Roberta Waddell, The Art Nouveau Style, Toronto, 1977, fig.543;

G.S., "La Société de 'l'Art dans Tout'", in: Art et Décoration, vol. 5, Paris, 1899, p.83;

For further information on Dampt see Alistair Duncan, Art Nouveau Furniture, London, 1982, p. 116.

A rare and impressive set of good overall appearance. Pieces have been recently re-polished and now have a shiny patina. Minor old marks and scratches in places commensurate with age. Fruit bowl to central door with a 0.8cm. long chip. Rear of central door panelled but without decorative carving; side doors with sheaves duplicated. Wood with some minor cracking within its grain. This has, however, no structural impact on the piece. A decorative set ready for display.
"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."

Dampt designed this set of doors for his own home separating the dining room from the hall. The decoration of wheat (bread), vine (wine) and fruit symbolise the purpose of the room they were enclosing. They were supposedly surmounted by an inscription from Genesis 'Tu mangeras ton pain à la sueur de ton front' (In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread) (see G.S., op. cit., p. 85). Even at the time it was very rare to see Dampt's pieces exhibited. He spent a long time on his pieces creating elaborate results of absolute master craftsmenship, demonstrating his knowlege of the material together with the diversity of inspiration and technique. Characteristically he works with the character of the wood, using its grain as a decorative feature.

Dampt exhibited at many fairs during the time of the turn of the 20th century, amonst which was the World Exhibition in Paris in 1900, showing a variety of works of sculpture and furniture in an abundance of materials.