An Empire style ormolu-mounted and brass-inlaid mahogany guéridon in the manner of Bernard Molitor

Etienne Levy, Paris, 1985

Ulrich Leben, Molitor, Ebéniste from the Ancien Régime to the Bourbon Restoration, London, 1992, p. 160, fig. 167 and p. 197.

With minor dens and surface scrathes to mahogany. Small crack and lifting to one short stretcher between undertier and leg. Mounts with rubbing, oxidation and some surface dirt. Top with later supports to bottom. Top with later staining to underside. In good 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.

Guéridons of such simple yet elegant design were popular in the 1790s and derived from earlier, more elaborately decorated versions. Molitor's use of ormolu galleries and an undertier, which either rested on or was connected to the legs with short stretchers, was much imitated by his contemporaries who recognized the beauty in the simplicity of his designs. A drawing by an anonymous ebéniste of a piece almost identical to the lot offered is illustrated Ulrich Leben, Molitor, Ebéniste from the Ancien Régime to the Bourbon Restoration, London, 1992, p. 161, fig. 168, and exhibits Molitor's strong artistic influence. As the Empire style became more elaborate and lavish during the first few years of the 1800s, such restrained pieces vanished from the repertory of Molitor and other furniture makers of the time. Subtle and simple works such as this guéridon remain as products of an era when simplicity was the virtue of the craftsman.