A gilt-bronze mounted mahogany bureau plat, Empire, early 19th century

the central drawer enclosing a sliding leather-lined writing surface, each side with a leather-lined pull-out writing slide, veneered and mounted on the back to form a centrepiece



 

The piece is slightly faded and would benefit from a repolish according to taste. The mounts especially on the frieze are nicely cast but dirty and would benefit from a light clean according to taste.There are casting cracks in some of the mounts and also some minor losses eg to the base of the stylised anthemions on the corners of the frieze.The collar at the top of one columnar leg replaced. Old very minor restorations generally and minor patches to veneer. Once repolished and the mounts cleaned this will look most attractive. In otherwise good original 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:
Enrico Colle, Il Mobile Impero in Italia, Milan, 1998, pp.116-131.

This rather imposing desk although not attributable to a particular maker has some elements which are reminiscent of the work of  the French ébéniste Jean-Baptiste Youf, who was working for the Grand Duchess of Tuscany in the early years of the 19th century. Various pieces by this maker in the Empire style are illustrated by Colle op. cit. pp. 116-131, in mahogany with gilt-bronze mounts, now in Palazzo Pitti, Florence. There are various examples of tables by this maker illustrated by Colle op. cit., which have the entwined foliate mounts around the legs, now in Palazzo Pitti, Florence, see pp. 120-121. 

Furthermore, iIt is also worthwhile considering a console table which has identical frieze mounts with winged lions which was with the German trade and was was stamped A. Regnier for Alexandre Régnier (1751-1802).