A pair of Louis XVI ormolu-mounted mahogany armoires circa 1780, in the manner of J. H. Riesener

purchased in 1985

Both with some scattered vertical age cracks on sides, one crack now restored. One with one, approximately 6 in. crack to upper panel of left door. One with slightly more fading. Some scattered minor dents and scuffs to both armoires. Ormolu mounts with some minor oxidation, traces of surface dirtt and rubbing, not extensive. Both in good overall 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The diversity of Riesener's oeuvre become apparent when we compare these armoires with his works produced throughout his thirty-eight-year long career as master ébéniste. The differences in overall aesthetic between Riesener's iconographic 'bureau du Roi,' which he completed for Louis XV in cooperation with François Oeben, or his ormolu-mounted neoclassical marquetry commode now at Waddesdon Manor, and the lot offered here illustrates that Riesener was a multi-faceted craftsman. Large mahogany armoires with restrained ormolu decoration are fairly uncommon in Riesener's oeuvre and pieces with such somber mounts and of clean form are particularly rare. Comparable, but more ornate, mahogany armoires stamped by Riesener appear at auction include one formerly in the Collection of Karl Lagerfeld, sold Christie's Monaco, April 29, 2000, lot 340 and one sold Sotheby's Monaco, June 15, 1996, lot 77. Even though these armoires are more heavily decorated with gilt bronze mounts and exhibit more detailed carving, they share the simplicity of the legs, the curved edges and the undulating cornices with the lot offered here. A mahogany armoire stamped by Riesener with minimal ormolu decoration but of more provincial form was offered Sotheby's Paris, December 18, 2001, lot 308, suggesting that a restrained use of gilt bronze decoration was practiced at Riesener's atelier. Though the upper cornice of that armoire was less animated than that of the piece offered here, Riesener used the similar robust legs and curved edges.