A fine kingwood, tulipwood, bois satiné, amaranth, mahogany and marquetry secrétaire à abbatant attributed to Pierre Roussel Louis XV, mid 18th century

of serpentine form with a later gilt-bronze banded veneered top above two drawers and a fall-front inlaid with a baluster vase issuing flowers with two birds on branches, opening to reveal a leather-lined writing surface with various recesses inlaid with striped veneers with six short drawers veneered with alternating bands of bois citronnier and amaranth above a pair of doors enclosing a shelf above a recess, the doors inlaid with a pomegranate and floral sprays, on squat cabriole legs, the sides inlaid with shaped quarter-veneered reserves

Fischer-Böhler, Munich, 1981

Colour overall of wood much less orange with more contrast and the mounts are more golden and attractive than in the photograph. Gilt-bronze banding around the top is later, as is the wooden top, as it would have had a marble top originally. The mounts are slightly dirty and tarnished, and would benefit from a light clean. Extensive replacements especially on the sides with mahogany. There is some minor lifting to the veneer on the right side. The gilt-bronze band of guilloche below the two drawers of the upper section is a later replacement. There is some damage to the tip of the the keyhole of the left door and is a different colour to the other one. The banding mounts on the top and the apron mounts would appear to be a later replacements. The gilt bronze sabots are loose and need re-pinning. An attractive piece in overall good, conserved 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."

Comparative Literature:
P. Kjellberg, Le Mobilier Français du XVIIIème siècle, dictionnaire des ébénistes et des menuisiers, Paris, 1998, p. 736 and 737.
J. Nicolay, L'art et la manière des maîtres ébénistes français au XVIIIème siècle, Paris, 1976, p. 418, fig.A.B.

The form of this secrétaire is typical of the oeuvre of Pierre Roussel, several examples of which are illustrated by Kjellberg, op. cit., pp. 736 and 737 and Nicolay, op.cit., p. 418, Fig. AB. The aforementioned examples are in floral marquetry which he often utilised on his secrétaires and the shaped frieze drawer is a particular feature of his. The interior of this piece is rather unusual with the striped veneers.

Pierre Roussel, received Master in 1745, was the son of an ébéniste and settled in the rue de Charenton. Between 1775 and 1780, he worked for the Prince de Condé and supplied him with 10,000 livres worth of furniture. The inventory after Roussel's death reveals that a large amount of furniture was in tulipwood, marquetry, bois satiné or amaranth and many pieces were in lacquer and there were examples in geometric marquetry or parquetry as well as floral motifs and landscapes. He also employed the services of the bronziers Turchin, Ravrio and the gilder Trufot.