A gilt-bronze-mounted tulipwood, kingwood and amaranth veneered bureau plat stamped C. C. Saunier JME Louis XVI, circa 1785

the top inset with a tooled leather writing surface above three frieze drawers divided by triglyphs on tapering legs

In overall good original condition but would benefit from some cosmetic attention. Strong model and good large size.The gilt-bronze border around the top and bronzes are slightly dirty and would benefit from a light clean according to taste. There is evidence of previous mounts framing the drawers. There is some minor bubbling and splits in the veneer in the border of the top and there are also construction cracks in the top which can be easily be filled or when the leather top is replaced will be hidden.The left side is faded and the wood is rather dry looking and but can be repolished. There are some minor pieces of veneer missing which can be easily restored. There are some minor restorations to the veneer but these are not too noticeable. A minor section of the gilt bronze moulding is off but present and can easily be reglued. On the right side the veneer has been restored with minor areas of infill. The removable trays in the left drawer has two later disks on the top.
"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:
Marie-Noel de Gary, Musée Nissim de Camondo, La Demeure d'un collectionneur, Paris, 2007, pp. 232-233, for an identical bureau plat by Saunier in le salon bleu.

Only four other examples of this bureau plat by Saunier are recorded to date: one in the Musée de Nissim de Camondo, see fig. 1, another is in a Private English Collection, another in bois de rose and bois de violette was illustrated in Connaissance des Arts, March 1969, p. 78; also one formerly in the collection of M. et Mme André Carlbian, sold Paris au Palais Galleria, 7th December 1968, no.108, p. 49, (probably also the one offered for sale lot 65, Christie's, London, 30th November 1972).

Claude-Charles Saunier (1735-1807), received Master 1752:
Saunier was renowned for his impeccably executed furniture made of the finest quality timbers with gilt-bronze mounts. He produced bureaux plats of restrained form, the architecural details of which were emphasised by square tapering legs. He is known to have used wood in contrasting colours such as ebony, mahogany and amaranth and used fashionable woods such as satinwood from 1785 onwards. Saunier came from a family of furniture makers and shared the workshop in Faubourg Saint-Antoine with his father Jean-Charles but moved twice and finally settled in the rue Saint-Claude.