A pair of amaranth, bois satiné and floral marquetry encoignures, in the manner of Jean-Pierre Latz Louis XV, mid 18th century

each with a brèche d'alep marble top and later shelf, the mounts regilt; rebacked

Some very minor chips to the marble top which is slightly dirty and would benefit from a light clean according to taste. The later mounts are also dirty and would benefit from a clean according to taste. One of the marble tops has been restored, but this is well executed and not too noticeable. Very attractive detail to marquetry which retains its original engraving and detail. One of the corner mounts has been resoldered where there has been a break. There are some casting cracks in the mounts generally and some old minor restorations to the veneer. The internal shelf is later and there has been some restorations to the interal lockplate. The underside of the top internally and the top have been stained. There are some minor patches to the veneer. There is a later internal strengthener beneath the tops. Reblocked. Rear foot heightened on both.In otherwise 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:
Henry Hawley, The Bulletin of the Cleveland Museum of Art, September-October 1970, pp. 203-257.
Alvar González-Palacios, Il patrimonio artistico del Quirinale, Gli arredi Francese, Milan, 1995, pp. 118-119, no. 4, pp. 122-123, no. 5. 

These fine encoignures with their exquisite marquetry are reminiscent of encoignures by Jean-Pierre Latz, illustrated by Hawley, op. cit., p. 245-256. The bombé shape, deep curved apron and finely engraved marquetry is typical of Latz's encoignures. See the examples in the Quirinale, Rome, illustrated by A.G.P., op. cit., pp. 118-119, no. 4, pp. 122-123, no. 5., although the former have elaborate mounts.
Jean-Pierre Latz c. 1691-1754, active 1719-54, Ébéniste Priviligé du Roi before 1741.

Latz is now thought to be one of the outstanding ébénistes of the Louis XV period. He was born in Cologne and then settled in Paris. His main activity which was revealed in the inventory drawn up after his death demonstrates that the production of clock-cases constituted the main activity of his workshop. He made a speciality of boulle marquetry but he also veneered in kingwood and used floral marquetry. He worked extensively for the nobility, including the Berlin and Dresden courts and there is also a large collection of his work in the Quirinale, Rome as he supplied furniture to Madame Infante, eldest daughter of Louis XV, for her Palace at Colorno.