Bureau plat et son cartonnier en ébène d'époque Louis XV, vers 1765-1770 , estampillé P.MONTIGNY

ouvrant à trois tiroirs et une tablette coulissante à l'arrière reposant sur quatre pieds en gaine à renfoncement dans les angles ; le cartonnier "à poser" contenant deux cartons de cuir brun surmonté d'une pendule en bronze doré indiquant le jour du mois, le mois et le jour de la semaine ;  le mouvement signé BOUCHET A PARIS ; (le cartonnier probablement à l'origine sur un caisson placé à côté du bureau)

- Galerie Maurice Segoura, Biennale des Antiquaires, 1986
- Vente Tajan, Paris, 13 juin 1995, lot 104
- Galerie Partridge, Londres, 1998

The illustration is quite accurate. The bureau plat : The ebony has a good mix of colour between a deep black and dark brown. The brass inlaid in fine condition. There are few minor marks and scratches to the veneer as expected. A close look at the carcass and inside shows that some usual restorations have been done such as replacement of guide for drawers. The leather top has also been replaced but has an attractive patina and usual marks. The guilt bronze mounts have a fine and delicate chasing. The gilding is fine and has been slightly cleaned. Two small rosaces on top of the legs have been replaced. The overall condition of the desk is fine as expected well restored condition. The clock and its base: Overall condition is absolutly fine. Minor scratches. The back of the base is also veneered. The paper boxes have been replaced and show leather on the front. The clock has a very attractive chasing and fine gilding which has been cleaned accordingly to the bureau plat. There are minor oxydation spots. The dial has a minor hair crack between the 40 and the 45. This kind of bureau had certainely a cartonnier compagnon which is now partly missing. Nevertheless the clock can be displayed on the bureau as show on illustration. In conclusion, attractive piece by Montigny with a realistic estimate due to the fact that the cartonnier is partly missing in a fine and expected restored condition. This piece was offered on the market in July 2008 with a low estimate of 800.000 $ which was at the time too high. The symbol (double dagger) indicates that the lot is being sold whilst subject to Tempory Importation and VAT is due at the reduced rate.
"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."

Entre 1766 - date de maîtrise de Montigny - et 1780, l'ébéniste produisit un certain nombre de bureaux accompagnés de leurs cartonnier et pendule. La plupart d'entre eux étaient en placage.
Seuls quelques rares exemplaires furent plaqués en ébène :
- celui conservé à Woburn Abbey (Alexandre Pradère, Les Ebénistes français de Louis XIV à la Révolution, Paris, 1989, p. 304, pl. 342).
- un chez Partridge en 2002

La double estampille de Montigny et de son cousin Dubois se retrouve sur un bureau, ancienne collection Rory Cameron Esq., vente Sotheby's, Monaco, 17 juin 1988, lot 741.

Nous ne connaissons pas par quel marchand Montigny commercialisait sa production. Peut-être utilisait-il les frères Darnault qui, en 1779, fournirent aux Menus-Plaisirs :
"un bureau de quatre pieds plaqué en bois d'ébène et filets de cuivre, l'allonge sur le devant, les pieds à chapiteaux garny de bronze ciselé et doré d'or moulu, sabots à roulette. 480 livres."

Ce magnifique bureau plat est un des représentants du "goût à la grec" introduit en France, peu après la découverte de Pompéi, par le comte de Caylus, le marquis de Marigny, frère de Madame de Pompadour et Lalive de Jully, commanditaire du célèbre bureau de Joseph conservé au château de Chantilly.

Philippe-Claude Montigny

Fils de l'ébéniste Louis Montigny, Philippe-Claude Montigny fut reçu maître-ébéniste en 1766 et exerça sa profession cour de la Juiverie, près de la Bastille.
L'almanach Dauphin le décrit comme : "l'un des plus renommés par les meubles en écaille et argent ou ébène et cuivre doré."