A French carved walnut and painted armoire after Hughes Sambin, in Henri II style, stamped Mercier Frères Paris 19th century

the overhanging top above a pair of doors carved with an architectural niche, the triangular pediment enclosing a lion mask and neo-classical female figures interposed by male and female figures with baskets of fruit on their heads, above two frieze drawers carved with ribbon-tied fruit and floral swags above a further  pair of cupboard doors centered by a niche, one with Diana, the other with Spring, surmounted and flanked by fruiting swags interposed by male and female terms, the panelled sides on flattened bun front feet 

Old very minor restorations generally to the carving, which have been very well executed and are hardly noticeable. General minor areas of flaking to painted panels with one on the bottom left which has suffered more than the rest but this can be retouched. Some hairline cracks which can be left. Evidence of old minor worm which appear to be no longer active. Attractive detail to carving. Good patination. In overall very good condition.
"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."

This armoire of architectural form is loosely based upon  the one attributed to Hughes Sambin (circa 1520-1601) in the Musée du Louvre, Paris, formerely in the collection of the Marquise Arconati Visconti, 1916 (inv. OA 6968). The Louvre piece was also inspired by designs by the celebrated architect and designer A. Du Cerceau(c1520-1584), with its elaborate swags and caryatid figures. The three caryatid figures on this piece are loosely based upon engravings in Sambin's publication Oeuvre de la diversité des termes don't on se sert en architecture, (pub. 1572). 

The celebrated French architect and ornamentalist Hughes Sambin (1520-1601)  was also a maître menusier. A true Renaissance man, he was a sculptor, architectural draughtsman, ornamental designer and engraver.

For a closely related armoire 16th century attributed to Hughes Sambin, see lot 262, Haute Epoque, 31st October 2006.

Claude Mercier (fl. 1830-70?), exhibited widely in various styles and supplied furniture to the Spanish Court .Later examples have a small metal plate inscribed `Mercier' inside the carcass.