French School A rare carved walnut sculptural buffet à deux corps Paris, circa 1900

Sold in these rooms, April 20, 2007, lot 276 ($120,000)

John and Katsy Mecom Private collection

 

It is interresting to note here numerous stylistic influences drawn directly from the most celebrated masters of the French Art Nouveau period. On the present cabinet resonate a tour de force of carving mastership with its exuberant and elaborate decor. The crouching cat ornamenting its crest is surprisingly and unquestionably close to the cats often used by Rupert Carabin on his pieces. This might imply a close relationship between the yet unknown carver and the Carabin workshop.